The Community Organisations Loan Scheme is designed to help organisations to develop or improve new or existing facilities and other major projects.

Apply for the Community Organisation Loans Scheme

Download and complete a Community Organisation Loans Scheme application form.

Loans are for a maximum of 10 years (normally five years) at 5.15% interest per annum. Organisations with the ability to repay loans are encouraged to apply for this form of assistance for major capital projects.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from eligible not-for-profit groups whose activities provide community, social, recreation, sports, arts, environment or heritage opportunities to the wider community, or to specifically defined communities of interest.

To be eligible, an organisation must be incorporated under the Charities Act 2005 and Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and have a provision in their constitution to borrow money.

Criteria

The following criteria must be met by all applicants:

  • A community-based not-for-profit community, recreation, sporting, arts, social service, environment or heritage organisation.
  • Be based in the Christchurch City Council area with funded programmes or services being provided primarily for Christchurch City Council residents.
  • Must have provided accountability reports for all previous Council funding and have no unresolved or outstanding accountability issues including outstanding debt to Council.
  • Must have had the funding application approved at a properly convened committee meeting and in writing.
  • Must provide evidence of the need for the project.
  • Have appropriate financial management, accounting, monitoring and reporting practices.
  • Be able to provide security against their loan by way of mortgage or other financial instrument.
  • Make loan repayments on a quarterly basis.
  • Have sound governance and appropriate operational capability and capacity to deliver to the level as agreed.
  • Be able to commit to collaboration and partnering, where appropriate

Applying

Applications can be made at any time during the year, subject to available funds.

Alternatively, you can download the Community Organisation Loans Scheme application form [DOC, 418 KB] or obtain a copy from a Council Customer Service Hub or the Civic Offices.

Contact us or email communitygrants@ccc.govt.nz for more information.