Community Development One-Off Fund

'One-off' refers to the funding allocation, not the type of project.

You can only receive funding from this fund once for the same service or project. For example, if you receive funding to purchase plants for a community garden, you cannot apply to this fund again for more plants for that same garden.

However, this does not mean your project or service has to be a one-off activity. Ongoing initiatives are welcome to apply, provided the funding request is for a different purpose or project.

The Community Development Fund operates twice per year (50% of available funds in each round), with the funding rounds being open in August and March annually.

There is an upper limit of $5,000 per application for this fund.

Total funding available is determined through Council’s Annual Plan and Long-Term Plan processes.

Applications must be submitted through Council’s online portal.

Council prefers that the entity applying for this fund is a legally incorporated society or charitable trust that is registered with the Charities Commission, however applications from individuals, groups, volunteer-led organisations and community networks will be considered.

In addition, applicants must demonstrate:

• A sound financial plan for the initiative
• The capability to deliver the proposed initiative within the Manawatū rating district.

The Community Development One-Off Fund cannot be used for:

• Activities occurring outside the Manawatū rating district.
• Ongoing operational costs where no clear community benefit or project outcome can be demonstrated.
• Projects or events that duplicate an existing Council service.
• Commercial or profit-driven ventures.
• Large capital works, building maintenance, or large equipment purchases.
• Debt servicing or repayment.
• Fundraising activities or prizes.
• Individual travel, accommodation, or personal costs.
• Political or religious activities where the primary purpose is to promote a belief system or political position.
• Projects where the primary benefit is to a private individual or business.
• Retrospective costs (work already completed).
• Activities already funded through another Council fund or contract.

Small capital, consumables, materials, venue hire and basic equipment required specifically for the initiative may be funded.

All applications will be considered at the same time to adequately divide the available funding in the round and as per Council’s Delegation Manual. They will consider:

• The overall mix of services across the district.
• Avoiding duplication of existing services.
• Performance against accountability measures for previous successful applicants.
• Alignment with Council’s strategy and outcome.

Recipients must:

• Provide a brief accountability report within two months of the initiative finishing.
• Acknowledge Council support in project materials or communications. The MDC logo will be provided to successful applicants.