Event Fund
The Event Fund supports events or festivals that primarily benefit Manawatū District residents and directly align with the Community Development Strategy’s vision of “Our District offers a high quality of life for all residents”.
To check the event eligibility based on the boundaries of Manawatū District, please click here.
The Event Fund will support events or festivals that align well with at least one of the following Community Development Strategy goals:
- We are a welcoming community
- Everyone has a sense of belonging and are proud of where they live
- We value who we are and where we have come from
- We have creative, cultural and recreational participation in our communities
- We work together to make our whānau and communities better
- Tāngata whenua are visible
- Community success is enabled by quality infrastructure, services and technology
- Our people and communities feel safe
- We are guardians (kaitiakitanga) of the natural environment
- Our people have learning opportunities that enhance their life choices
- We encourage and enable people to shape their future
- Our people share their skills and experience with others
There are three funding rounds per annum for the Event Fund closing 30 June, 30 September and 30 March. These will generally be open to applicants one month before the closing date.
It is preferred that organisations are incorporated societies or trusts, but applications from individuals or commercial organisations will be considered.
The applicant should demonstrate that the event or festival:
- Contributes to a connected and inclusive district
- Builds unity and community pride by celebrating the district’s character, diversity and individuality through arts and culture
- Provides opportunities for innovation
- Is accessible to Manawatu District residents
- Is not entirely focused on commercial activity
- Supports Manawatu District Council’s vision, the Community Development Strategy and the Economic Development Strategy
Priority will be given to:
- Events and festivals that demonstrate sustainable practices
- Level of compliance with health and safety
- Events and festivals that contribute to achieving at least one of the above listed goals
- Viability of the proposed event or festival including history of organisation’s capability and capacity for delivery
- Strengthen participation across diverse communities
- A collaborative approach which operates across more than one sector which enhances connections with existing and emerging networks and activities e.g. community, arts, cultures, environmental
- Events that grow community leadership
- Compliance with previous reporting requirements
The Event Fund will fund a wide range of costs integral to holding an event or festival, which includes venue hire or hiring of equipment such as seating, marquee, lighting and sound as well as marketing and promotion, health and safety, insurance and transport management costs, hospitality costs. However, it will not fund:
- Events or festivals where the primary purpose is to fundraise
- Prizes/Trophies
- Alcohol
- Retrospective (funding being applied for following an event or festival)
The conditions of receiving funding are:
- That Manawatū District Council must be acknowledged as a partner and funder and be acknowledged as a separate entry within the organisation’s accounts or in the organisation’s annual report.
- That an accountability report to be submitted to the Manawatū District Council within two months following the event or festival. The report must include:
- An operational debrief including venue, signage, safety and the sustainable practices used
- The approximate number of attendees at the event
- The actual income and expenditure for the event or festival
- Resources that were used including volunteer and staff time
- Justification that the objectives put forward to support your funding application have been realised
- Good news stories and pictures linked to the event
How to Apply
Click the link below to apply online through our SmartyGrants community funding portal or email community.development@mdc.govt.nz to discuss your options.