FUNDING

Our funding process

Before you apply

We'd rather help you find the right funding pathway from the start than see a good idea miss out. That's why we encourage you to talk to our funding team before you apply.

We'll help you understand which fund might be right for your project, what you'll need and when to apply.

The six steps

01

Start with a conversation

If you're applying for the first time, applying for something different, or simply aren't sure where your project fits, talk to our funding team before you begin.

We'll help you understand which fund might be right for you, whether you're eligible and what you'll need to apply.

Contact us

02

Check your eligibility

Before you apply, make sure your organisation and project meet the eligibility requirements for the fund you're applying to. You can find this out in our FAQs.

CHECK ELIGIBILITY

03

Prepare your application

Get clear on what you're asking for, what you want to achieve, who will benefit and how you'll know it's made a difference. You'll also need supporting information such as your budget, financial statements and relevant quotes.

What you'll need.

Purpose of the funding
Expected outcomes and community benefit
Organisation details
Financial statements
Budget
Bank and GST details
Relevant quotes

04

Apply online

When you're ready, complete your application online. Once it's submitted, we'll send you confirmation that we've received it. Please ensure applications are submitted three months prior to when you need a funding decision.

START YOUR APPLICATION

05

Assessment and decision

Applications are assessed within 5-7 weeks and may include our team meeting with you.

Applications are then considered by our Trustees, and we'll let you know the outcome as soon as a decision has been made. These are generally made 7-8 weeks after the funding round closes.

06

Funding, reporting and celebrating impact

If your application is successful, we'll send you a funding agreement outlining your grant, payment details and any conditions or reporting requirements.

Once your project is underway, keep us connected with how things are going. At the end, we'll ask you to share what happened, what changed and the impact your funding helped create.

Communities already hold the answers. Our role is helping unlock them.

Key dates

FUND	FUNDING ROUNDS	CLOSING DATES
Community Development	Monthly	1st of every month*
Community Facilities**	Twice per year	1st April, 1st September
Community Events	Monthly	1st of every month*
Catalyst for Change	Invitation only	—
Facilities of Regional Significance	Invitation only	---

*There is no funding round in January, so 1st November is the cutoff for pre-Christmas decisions.
**Applications for less than $50K can be submitted between the two funding rounds.

Common Questions

Who can apply for funding?

Any non-profit entity, such as a registered charity, incorporated society or a school.

We will consider applications from organisations who are in the process of applying for charitable status. In some circumstances we may consider applications from groups that operate independently but come under the umbrella of a qualifying organisation.

How much funding can we apply for?

This depends on the total project cost or operating budget and which fund you are applying to. Give us a call on 07 578 5094 or email info@manawatrust.nz to have a chat with our team about what would be a realistic expectation.

Looking at who we've funded before can also give you an idea on the types of organisations and projects we fund, along with the level of funding.

What kind of things do you fund?

Our funding ranges from supporting an organisation's operational costs, equipment purchases, one-off projects, programmes and community events to supporting community facilities e.g. new buildings, or purchases and significant upgrades to existing facilities like community halls, sports centres or playgrounds.

Within community events, we providing funding support in three ways. Through our own Community Event Fund for national or internationally significant events and through two collaborative funds.

Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund for small to medium community-led events that are community-driven and enrich our communities through active participation and inclusion.
Kaupapa Māori Event Fund which supports iwi and hapū-led events that celebrate tangata whenua and tikanga Māori, while raising awareness of events of historical and cultural significance across our rohe. Examples include Matariki and Waitangi Day celebrations.