Tasman District Council Community Grants
Simple applicationTasman District Council allocates community grants from rates annually. Applications open 1 May, close 31 July each year. More requests received than funds available. Assessed by Community Grants Subcommittee (one councillor per ward). Decisions notified by early October. Six funding categories: events (up to $1,500), community programmes ($1,000), social services ($1,250), environment ($1,500), emergency services ($1,000), and sport/recreation facilities (up to $5,000). Council estimates $3-$5 return for every $1 spent.
Grant Range
Average allocations $1,000-$1,500 for most categories. Up to $5,000 for sport/recreation facility development. Annual round: open 1 May, close 31 July, decisions October.
What they fund
Who can apply
What they care about
Activities must take place in Tasman and benefit Tasman residents. Must align with Council Community Outcomes and Long Term Plan priorities. Priority given to projects addressing identified community need, joining communities together, and not solely reliant on council funding.
Writing tips
Reference Council Community Outcomes. Show benefit to Tasman residents specifically. Demonstrate other funding sources. Keep it practical and community-focused.
Common mistakes to avoid
Applying after closing date (31 July). Requesting more than $5,000 for facility development or more than $1,500 for other categories. Not completing accountability from previous grants before reapplying. Applying for activities outside Tasman district. Applying for retrospective costs or to fund salaried positions.
What makes a strong application
Clear alignment with Council priorities, demonstrated benefit to Tasman residents, not solely reliant on council funding, addresses identified community need, completed previous accountability
Application structure
Required documents
- • project budget
- • evidence of community need