Community Grants

The next funding round will be open for applications from 14 July to 11 August 2025.

If you have been awarded a grant funding, you are required to complete the accountability report before the next round of grants opens.

Upper Hutt City Council provides grants to locally and regionally based organisations providing services in Upper Hutt. These grants support projects that enhance community services, promote a sense of community, or contribute to our community wellbeing.

The  priority areas for funding are: 

  • Indirect programme costs or running costs for organisations involved in community support work 
  • Projects which help and support those within the Upper Hutt community that are most in need 
  • Existing community support programmes where additional resources are required 
  • Community-driven initiatives for events or programmes which promote a sense of community or contribute to community well-being 
  • Organisations that have a wide reach within the community  

The criteria for allocation of funding under this scheme are: 

  • Applicants must show a strong need for the service, programme or event and wide community benefit 
  • There must be a demonstrated need for additional funding 
  • Applicants should be able to show substantial volunteer involvement and self-help 
  • Applicants must demonstrate an ability and history of accessing other sources of funding 

Note: Applicants who qualify for other funding or a project which is eligible to receive direct funding from central government will not normally be considered: 

The Community Grants Scheme will not fund: 

  • Purchase of capital items and capital projects 
  • Wages and salaries 
  • Prize money 
  • Travel for individuals or groups 
  • Cost of entry/conference fees 

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Click on the tiles to read more.

How can I apply for a Community Grant?

Applications will be open from 14 July to 11 August 2025.

You will be able to complete and sign an online application form via this page. 

What information do I need to provide in my application?

You will need to provide the following information:

  • your organisation’s current financial statements;
  • evidence of bank account details* (so we can pay you if your application is successful); 
  • a copy of a utility bill (if you are applying for a grant to help you pay utilities such as power, phone, or insurance);
  • a quote which is specific to the funds you are applying for; and
  • any other information or documents that will help support your application.

To clarify requirements and for further information, contact Jane Braun from the Community Partnerships team: jane.braun@uhcc.govt.nz

* This needs to show the name the account is in and the bank account number. Examples are: a screenshot from your internet banking, or a photocopy of the top of a bank statement.

How does Council decide if my application is approved?

The Community Grants Committee will consider how your application meets the criteria for receiving funding, and then compare with all the other applications.

The Committee is meeting on Thursday, 4 September 2025, at 9.00AM.

When will I hear if my application has been successful?

We expect to notify you about your grant application in late September or early October.

The Community Grants Committee will meet on Thursday, 4 September 2025, at 9.00AM to consider all applications.

The Committee's decisions will then need to be ratified at the next full Council meeting. We expect this to be on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at 4.30PM.

Successful applicants will receive payment of grants within 20 working days after we contact them about the outcome of their application.

I received a grant in the last funding round. Where can I fill in an Accountability Report?

Complete your report here.

 

Information and support

Jane Braun
Community Partnerships
jane.braun@uhcc.govt.nz

Accountability report

Complete your report now.

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