Community Matching Fund

About the grant

The Community Matching Fund (CMF) is available to Western Bay community groups and organisations.

There is $140,000 ($100,000 general fund and $40,000 environmental fund) available for community and environmental projects that make a positive difference in the District.

The matching fund initiative was established to support projects led by not-for-profit community groups working for the benefit of their communities. Council recognises that these groups contribute numerous resources to projects and seeks to "match" the dollar value of this community effort with a grant.

Funding is made of two components - a General fund for social, recreational and cultural initiatives and an Environmental fund for projects associated with the natural environment.

Grants are "matched" on a 50/50 basis. Council's half is a cash grant with grants between $1,000 to $10,000 being the most common. The community group contribution can be made up of any combination of volunteer labour, donated professional services, funds raised through other means and/or donations of materials.

For any Community Matching Fund queries, you can contact our team on email at: communitymatchingfund@westernbay.govt.nz or phone us on 0800 926 732.

The 2024 Match Fund is now closed. Check out the sucessful recipients here.

How much can I apply for?

The total amount available in 2023 is $140,000, made up of $100,000 in the General Fund and $40,000 in the Environment Fund. You may apply for any amount, up to the value of your own contribution. The amount applied for should include GST.

Generally, applications are between $1,000 and $10,000.

How do I 'match' the grant?

“Matching” means a 50/50 share. Council’s half is a cash grant, and your half could be any combination of:

Volunteer labour valued at $23.15 per hour (for people aged 16 years and over)
Donated professional services valued at $65 per hour (maximum)
Funds already raised through other means
Donations of materials at retail or rental rate.

What is typically funded?

Eligible activities and projects are those that:

Fulfill an existing or emerging community need that can be demonstrated.
Provide benefits to the public.
Contribute to positive social, recreational, cultural or environmental outcomes to the residents of the Western Bay of Plenty District.
Demonstrate a commitment to ‘match’ a half share (financial or in kind) from the applicant’s own efforts.

Examples of uses for the General funding:

Start-up assistance for new projects or services
Community information and communication networks and coordination
Equipment and materials
Sustainability projects e.g., recycling initiatives, solar power
Projects that assist organisations or individuals to improve their organisational and operational skills.

Examples of uses for the Environment funding:

Native plantings, associated weed control costs, associated minor earthworks.
Environmental education programmes, signage, pamphlets, newsletters, registration fees
Biodiversity-associated structures such as fish passage structures, bird hides, footbridges
Ecological monitoring and monitoring equipment e.g., tracking tunnels, tags, contractor and associated costs.
Animal pest control programmes (e.g., traps, poisons or contractor fees)

What isn't funded?

Individuals and for-profit organisations
Applications where projects are more suited to funding by other organisations or different Council processes.
Activities already completed.
Applications from groups that have received other Council grants within the current Council financial year (e.g., Community Board Grants)
Applications to fund land or property purchases or permanent salaries or rent.
Maintenance (e.g., of buildings)
Programmes duplicating local existing public or private services.
Facilities on private land.

How are decisions made?

Applications are assessed on a number of criteria. Application can only be considered if they meet the eligibility requirements above. If they do, priority will be given to initiatives and projects that:

Have the greatest degree of public benefit and are free to the public
Build strong, resilient communities and enhance wellbeing
Build the capacity of individuals via education and/or training
Include partnerships with other groups/agencies
Contribute to outcomes for the aging population, young people, people with disabilities, and/or local public art.
Contribute to Safer Communities, or Welcoming Communities programmes.

How do I submit an application?

Applications for 2024 open on 1 July 2024 and will close on 5pm, 31 July 2024.
A 2024 Community Matching Fund Application Form must be completed online and supporting documentation supplied.
The Application Form (when round is open) must be completed online at www.westernbay.govt.nz , Applications that do not use the online form cannot be considered.
Applicants have the responsibility to obtain any resource consents, permits or licenses, etc., needed to undertake these activities. Costs associated with these should be mentioned in your application.

Application processing and decision-making

Applications will be assessed by a panel and recommendations to Council.
Council meet to decide on all applications.
Applicants can expect to hear about Council’s decision within two weeks of the decision.