Creative Communities Scheme - April/May 2026

If you need to contact us throughout the application process, please quote the application number below:

Whakatāne District Council collects information provided throughout the funding process, for the purpose of effectively administering our community grants and funding programme.

Information is shared with relevant Whakatāne District Council staff, our Community Funding Committee, and third-party organisations who sponsor specific funds. Information may be shared with other members or staff of your organisation (if the application is on behalf of an organisation) where it is deemed necessary for the effective administration of our funding programme.

To maintain transparency, summaries and outcomes of applications are reported in Community Funding Committee meeting agendas and minutes.

Whakatāne District Council is committed to managing information responsibly. Whakatāne District Council’s full Privacy Policy is available on our website.

The Creative Communities Scheme champions local arts projects.

Sponsored by Creative NZ, the Creative Communities Scheme funds local and community arts-centered projects, events, festivals, exhibitions, installations, workshops and performances. This scheme encourages arts and culture to become a part of everyday life.

What can’t get Creative Communities Scheme funding?

• Projects that mainly support goals outside of the local arts sector, e.g. health, wellbeing, fitness, environmental initiatives, and commercial ventures.
• Ongoing administration or personnel costs for organisations, projects that develop permanent facilities and buildings, and equipment costs.
• Activities where the main purpose is fundraising.

For more information on what’s eligible, check out Creative NZ’s Application Guide

We are currently accepting applications up to $5000. If you would like to apply for more than $5000, contact the Community Funding Advisor at grants@whakatane.govt.nz

Incomplete applications, and/or applications submitted after the closing date, will not be considered.

Before completing this form, you should have read the Guidelines for the Creative Communities Fund:

Creative Communities Scheme Guidelines

Whakatāne District Council requires all applicants to abide by a set of Terms and Conditions if they receive a grant from us: 

Community Grants and Funding - Terms and Conditions for Grant Recipients

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Funding Advisor at grants@whakatane.govt.nz

I/we confirm that:

1. I/we have read and understood the guidelines for the Creative Communities Scheme

2. I/we are not applying for anything Whakatāne District Council cannot fund, including wages, salaries, and retrospective funding.

3. The project/activity I/we are applying for funding for directly benefits the Whakatāne District.

4. I/we will abide by the Terms and Conditions for Grant Recipients if I/we receive a grant.