Finding the Right Council Funding Just Got Easier
Manawatū District Council is making it easier for the community to access funding and turn their ideas into action. Council's 'Community Funding and Grants' webpage has been refreshed with new interactive tools to help residents explore Council funding opportunities that best suit their projects quicker and easier than ever.
From August 2026, Council's 'Community Funding and Grants' webpage now features a live calendar displaying the current opening and closing dates for Council funding schemes, helping applicants plan and prepare their applications. The webpage also includes a 'Funding Finder', an interactive form which allows users to select categories, criteria and themes relevant to their project. The tool then highlights the funding schemes that may be the best fit, making it quicker and easier to identify suitable funding without working through multiple sets of eligibility criteria and guidelines.
“The interactive tools make the user experience simpler, more effective and more efficient” Helen King, MDC's Grants Connector says.
“Knowing where to start when applying for funding can sometimes feel overwhelming. The Council webpage’s new interactive tools and other support channels such as Manawatū Grant Finder make it easier for residents and community groups to explore their options, identify suitable funding and make the most of the opportunities available.”
The timing could not be better, with the following Council funding rounds open for applications this August:
To access the refreshed 'Community Funding and Grants' webpage and the interactive tools, please visit MDC's website: Community Funding & Grants | Manawatū District Council
Council also has other avenues for the community to explore and access funding opportunities:
- Manawatū Grant Finder is a free, online database of government and private sector funding schemes that are available across the region: Manawatū Grant Finder | Manawatū District Council
- Save the date for the 2026 Funding Forum! Following the success of the inaugural event last year, the forum gives residents, community groups, organisations and non-profits the opportunity to connect directly with funders, ask questions and learn more about the funding opportunities available. Friday 18 September 2026, 2:00pm-5:00pm, Te Āhuru Mōwai (64 Stafford Street Feilding)