Applying for a local board grant for the first time can be daunting, we want to help…
Who can apply?
Our grants programme is aimed at community organisations, ie. organisations with a not-for-profit, charitable or voluntary status with a formal legal structure.
Other options are to nominate an ‘umbrella’ organisation which has agreed to receive and administer the grant on your behalf, or apply to have the funding released retrospectively as reimbursement for the project.
If you are an individual or group with no legal structure, then you can still apply for a quick response grant of up to $1,000.
See the Community Grants Policy if you are applying on behalf of a commercial entity or social enterprise.
Pre-reading
Read the local board’s most recent grants programme, a new one is released every year. The Waitematā Local Board Grants Programme 2026/2027 is relevant until the end of June 2027. This will explain which projects and activities are likely to be eligible for funding.
Read the board’s latest Local Board Plan to see how your idea for a grant application matches up with the board’s priorities. The board creates a new one every three years, and the next one will be published in September or October 2026.
Application
If the activity, initiative or project that you’re hoping to get a grant for meets the eligibility criteria laid out in the grants programme and the timings for the upcoming grant round, you can start your application.
Step one
Register as a SmartyGrants user if you don’t already have a login.
Step two
The application form on SmartyGrants may look long but it’s not too daunting! It clearly explains the information you need to provide.
The first few pages ask for details about your organisation.
Priorities relate back to the priorities in the board’s Local Board Plan. Note: Waitematā Local Board does not offer capital or facilities grants.
Sections of the form focus on whether you have the permissions or permits that you require to carry out your project or activity. This is especially important for events, but may apply to any activity.
You can view or download a preview form on SmartyGrants before you start to make sure you have all the information necessary to begin.
See tips below from council staff:
- Use plain language and focus on community benefits, not just activities.
- Quantify where possible (number of participants, workshops, volunteers, events).
- Show how your project aligns with local priorities (e.g., community connection, youth development, arts and culture, environment, wellbeing).
- Demonstrate that you have the experience and partnerships needed to deliver the project successfully.
Also, a well-prepared budget demonstrates that you have thought through the project and increases confidence that public funding will be used effectively and responsibly:
- Explain any large expenses in the project description.
- Include volunteer time as an in-kind contribution if relevant.
- If purchasing equipment, explain why it is essential for delivering community outcomes.
- Present clear quotes and avoid vague items such as "general expenses."
Step three
If your grant application is successful, you will need to make sure you complete accountability reporting. Grant applicants who do not complete this step will be ineligible to apply for future grants from Auckland Council and local boards.
To make that process as easy as possible, here are some tips:
- Read your funding agreement carefully – if you need to change what you’re spending the grant on, contact your grants advisor prior to making these changes.
- Keep all receipts and financial records – having all of these on hand will save you time and effort later.
- Acknowledge the local board in your promotional material and event displays. We’re proud to support your project, so let’s celebrate the collaboration.
- If your project encounters any difficulties in its delivery costs or timeframe and need to change anything about your project, please contact your grants advisor or grants@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz