Funding Overview
About Funding
The financial resources your organisation needs to operate, deliver services, and make an impact usually come from 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.
A good funding mix also includes donations, sponsorship, and other sources beyond grants, which helps ensure your organisation doesn’t rely on a single source of funding – it’s about not having all your eggs in one basket!
Funding typically comes with expectations about how the money is used, reporting requirements, and timelines, so it’s important to be clear on these before applying.
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 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 Funding 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, 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. 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. There is currently an upper limit of $10,000 per application.
More info here.
BayTrust
BayTrust considers Community Support applicatio
ns up to $50,000 monthly, and applications $50,000 – $250,000 quarterly.
BayTrust’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.
Lottery Grants Board
The Community Matters 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.
Funding for Organisations includes:
- Lottery Community Fund
- Lottery Community Facilities Fund and
- COGS (Community Organisations Grants Scheme) Funding
A list of trusts who allocate gaming funds is available here.
Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund
This fund supports small to medium community-led events that enrich communities through active participation and inclusion. This fund is a collaboration between TECT Community Trust, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. This fund is managed by TECT on behalf of the fund partners.
There is also a Kaupapa Māori Event Fund supporting events that celebrate Māoritanga (Māori culture) in Tauranga Moana. The fund is a collaboration between the funders above, and is managed by Tauranga City Council on behalf of the fund partners.
More info here.
If your question has not been answered by the information above, contact our Funding Advisor with your questions or concerns. Click below for details.