Community funding

We fund organisations and projects making a difference in our community. See what’s available and how to apply. 

Palmerston North City Council has a good range of fund types at different levels. We grant more than $2 million a year to support individuals and community organisations to achieve your aspirations. All decisions are made in line with our Support and Funding Policy.

Browse our funding pages for full details, including successful recipients in previous years. For an overview of all community funding, see the funding options below.

Community funding options(PDF, 60KB)

If you have any questions, please contact our community funding advisor.

Phone: 06 356 8199

Email: communityfunding@pncc.govt.nz

Active Communities Fund

This fund aims to remove financial barriers to enable people to be more active, more often.

Arts Event Fund

Apply for funding for arts events that contribute to our goal of a creative and exciting Palmerston North.

Community Development Small Grants Fund

This annual fund is designed to cover smaller, ongoing community development expenses incurred by volunteer organisations.

Community-Led Initiatives Fund

This fund supports the development of small-scale initiatives that make a significant contribution to community life.

Creative Communities Scheme

Apply for funding for your community arts project.

Development Subsidy Fund

This funding supports community groups developing their land, buildings and facilities.

Generosity New Zealand database

This subscription service lists sources of funding available for individuals.

Jaycee Trust Travelling Fellowship Scheme

Under 40? You could be eligible to apply for up to $5,000 towards travel costs associated with an overseas project, or project within New Zealand.

Major Events Fund

This fund supports drawcard events that showcase Palmerston North as a destination.

Mayoral Relief Fund

If you or someone you know is in extreme financial distress, you may be able to seek help from the Mayoral Relief Fund.

Natural and Cultural Heritage Incentive Fund

If you're thinking about making repairs or improvements to a listed Palmerston North heritage building or object, you may be able to get financial help from Council.

Palmerston North Performing Arts Trust

Are you a local performing arts organisation looking for funding for your educational project? You could get up to $5,000 to help make it a success!

Resource Recovery Fund

Community groups and small businesses who want to bring their green idea to life are one step closer thanks to our new contestable fund.

Sponsorship Fund

Do you have an idea for an activity, project or event that is going to put Palmy centre stage? Our sponsorship fund is available for initiatives that promote our city.

Sports Event Partnership Fund

This fund aims to increase the potential for national sporting events to be held in Palmerston North.

Strategic Priority Grants

This funding programme is designed to help the community sector deliver outcomes aligned with Council goals. Applications for 2025 have closed.

Youth Council Scholarships Fund and Youth Council Initiatives Fund

These funds aim to celebrate our city’s young people by inspiring and supporting them to take up growth opportunities in sports, the arts, community endeavours or academia.

Funding opportunities from other organisations

New Zealand Community Trust

New Zealand Community Trust awards funding to a wide range of non-profit organisations – but mostly for organisations focused on the provision of community sport. The Trust awards funding for operational costs such as playing uniforms, equipment, employment, travel, and accommodation. It also awards capital funding, typically for sport facility related repairs and maintenance or builds.

Funding cannot be for costs already paid for, and does not usually include overheads like power, insurance, rent and rates. There is no limit on request amount, but one application per organisation per year is encouraged.

The Trust make decisions on a monthly basis so there are no deadlines.

Find out more information about grants 

The New Zealand Community Trust raises funds through gaming machines and does so in partnership with hospitality venues across New Zealand.

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