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Community funding

Christchurch City Council administers various funds to support the local community. Assistance is available for community groups, sports teams, running events, those in financial distress, and more.

Changes to the Incorporated Societies Act

Changes to the Incorporated Societies Act require that relevant organisations update their constitution and re-register between October 2023 and April 2026, or risk deregistration. Deregistration would impact funding from the Council and other funders. 

For more information on the changes to the Incorporated Societies Act and how to re-register, visit the Companies Office(external link). 

Before applying for funding your organisation must complete a community organisation registration(external link).

Funding process and reporting

The application process and reporting requirements are different for each fund.

Business Improvement District Grant

Providing seed funding to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) under the Council's BID Policy.

Canterbury waste minimisation grants

Apply for a grant to fund a waste minimisation project in the Canterbury region.

Christchurch Biodiversity Fund

Support to custodians of biodiversity through a contestable fund of up to $200,000 per annum.

Creative Communities Scheme

Supports local communities in creating and presenting diverse opportunities in arts activities.

Community Activation Fund

Closed from 1 May 2023 pending a review of the fund's objectives.

Community Board Small Funds

Grants to assist groups in their local area to undertake small community projects.

Community Organisation Loan Scheme

Designed to help develop or improve facilities and other major projects.

Computers to the community scheme

Personal computers and laptops available free of charge to not-for-profit groups.

Discretionary Response Fund

Where funding requests fall outside other funding criteria or closing dates.

Events and Festivals Sponsorship Fund

Providing sponsorship for a city-wide calendar of events to enhance Christchurch.

Events Seeding Fund

Providing sponsorship for new events taking place in Christchurch.

Mayor's Welfare Fund

Provides assistance to families and individuals who are in extreme financial distress.

Place Partnership Fund

Strengthening connections between communities and their places and spaces.

Small Sports Events Fund

Provide funding opportunities to National and South Island sporting events.

Strengthening Communities Fund

Supports community-focused organisations that contribute to strengthening community wellbeing.

Sustainability Fund

To encourage projects that help meet our climate change objectives and targets.

Youth Development Fund

To fund young people in their local community.