Council funding criteria and rules

Find out about our funding rules, and what happens when you apply.

About our funding

Most Council grants are funded by local rates. Funds go towards supporting community service groups in the Lower Hutt catchment area.

Criteria for Council funds

  • Community service groups must be from or have a base in Lower Hutt from which they provide regular BAU services.
  • Applicants cannot apply to multiple council funds for the same kaupapa/project/event.
  • All applications made must go towards funding Lower Hutt community service groups or individuals (as per the Creative Communities Grant) - Council’s Connected Communities Dept. can support you with connections to community groups in Lower Hutt that may be able to support your project.
  • Groups applying for funds over 10K must be a registered charity or legal entity.
  • Groups applying for up to 10K of funds do not have to be a registered charity but are required to show good finance records and a verification of bank account with more than one signatory.
  • Applications made must align to the outcome/focus areas of the fund applied to.
  • Applicants must try and utilise local Lower Hutt businesses and services where can be, for resources, materials, and support they require.
  • Applicants cannot be National or largely govt. funded organisations or sports clubs applying for BAU operational costs – Council supports local sports clubs in other ways such as, accessible use of sports grounds and facilities.

Find out what types of funding you might qualify for in our Community Funding at a Glance information.

What happens once you've applied

  • The Funding Advisor will let you know we've received your application.
  • They may contact you for additional information or clarification.
  • We'll let applicants know after the decision date whether or not they've been successful.

How we decide who to fund

  • Each community board or funding panel decides who will get funding in its area.
  • This is based on how well the project/event meets the fund's purpose.
  • The funding panel decides to distribute funding in a single large allocation or spread it over a number of smaller ones.
  • As soon as a decision has been made, we'll let you know in writing.

If your application is successful

  • You’ll be required to sign a funding agreement, provide a new supplier form (if applicable), a verification of bank account for groups applying (up to 10K) who aren’t a registered charity, and invoice for payment.
  • Your payment will not be processed until a funding agreement is signed.

Successful applicants must:

  • use funds only for the approved purpose and in line with any terms and conditions we've set
  • use funds by June 30 of the following year
  • let Council’s funding officer know immediately if any difficulty or potential difficulty arises that may compromise the service or project
  • allow us to audit the use of the funds if we decide to
  • recognise our support in all publicity material, annual reports and similar publications
  • complete an Accountability Report after completing the project. This should outline how the funds were used and how the community benefited
  • lay a complaint with police if any funds are stolen or misappropriated, and then notify us.

If your application is unsuccessful