Funding Overview
About Funding
The financial resources your organisation needs to operate, deliver services, and make an impact usually includes a mix of grants from philanthropic trusts, gaming and lottery grants, council or government funds, and other sources that support community projects and operational costs.
Funding typically comes with expectations about how the money is used, reporting requirements, and timelines, so being clear on these is important before you apply.
The Importance of Reliable Funding
Having reliable funding helps your organisation plan with confidence, deliver programmes effectively, meet obligations to supporters and communities, and build longer-term stability. A strong funding approach also supports relationship building with funders, strengthens your reputation, and allows you to focus more on mahi and less on uncertainty.
Useful Resources:
Gem Local
GEM Local provides:
- An always current customised grants calendar finding JUST the grants relevant to your organisation, according to what you do, where you do it and your legal status
- Full access to all New Zealand grant and funder records on your personalised grants calendar
- Ability to track progress of your applications including when funder reports are due
- Additional email alerts on deadlines
- Practical tip sheets, videos and writing samples, including monthly emails with tips specifically for GEM Local subscribers
- Key administration ‘to do’s’ and guide to setting up your online presence
Cloud-based software, accessible from anywhere
Access to this local grants database is available through Tauranga City Council for free
Read more and contact TCC here.
Fundsorter
Fundsorter provides:
- A comprehensive funding database of 2,500+ live funding opportunities across Aotearoa
- Smart Matching Technology – algorithm matches you with funding opportunities that align with your organisation’s mission, needs, and eligibility – so you’re only pursuing grants that have a chance of success
- AI-Powered Application Writer – tool generates high-quality, tailored draft applications that combine funder requirements with your organisation’s story to create compelling applications. Think of it as your expert writing assistant, not a replacement.
- Helpful Management Tools – automated deadline reminders, accountability reporting alerts, and predictive funding suggestions keep you organised and proactive
A 10% discount is available through SociaLink’s Business Heroes Directory.
Read more and access the discount here.
Free Training & Advice
Funding Workshops – SociaLink runs free workshops on various elements of funding throughout the year – e.g. Meet the local funders, Sponsorship, Sustainable Funding, etc.
See upcoming workshops here.
Funding Advice – SociaLink’s Financial Advisor can give you one-on-one advice and support for accessing grant funders, submitting first-time funding applications, and refining budgets to secure financial support. This service can include developing project outlines and budgets to create clear, strategic plans, as well as managing funding reconciliations to ensure compliance with financial requirements. Additionally, feedback and suggestions for declined applications to improve future submissions, advice on creating and maintaining accurate financial reporting, best practice suggestions and even just help getting started!
Read more and contact here.
Popular Funders:
Acorn Foundation
There are a variety of ways that the Acorn Foundation provides funding to the community. There is an annual round of distributions, where applications begin in May and money is awarded in August. Recipients can either be chosen by specific donors (called tagged), or selected by the Distributions Committee, based on the greatest needs in the community as determined by the latest Vital Signs research.
More info here.
Bay Trust
Bay Trust’s purpose is to accelerate bold meaningful change, assisting BOP communities and the environment to flourish. Their priorities are:
- Kaitiakitanga
- Community wellbeing
- Tu Maori Mai
- Healthy, Secure and Affordable Housing
More info here.
TECT
TECT funding works to support the people, places and projects making a difference in our community here in the Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga.TECT has a number of different funding schemes to assist community organisations with their initiatives.
More info here.
Tindall Foundation
The Acorn Foundation distributes funds on behalf of The Tindall Foundation in both the Western BOP and Eastern BOP regions.
More info here.
Lottery Grants Board
The Lottery Grants Board website hosts a range of grants that are administered by the Department of Internal Affairs and available to the community. Key funding objectives are designed to ensure lottery grants will contribute towards the vision of “New Zealanders building strong sustainable communities together.” Make sure you read the information thoroughly before you apply. Advisors are available to speak with you about your needs by phone and sometimes agree to a visit.
A list of trusts who allocate gaming funds is available here.