Creative Communities Scheme August 2025

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

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.

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

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

Creative Communities Scheme Guidelines

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

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

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, and how to apply, check out Creative NZ’s Application Guide

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

I/we confirm that:

• I/we have read and understood the guidelines for the Creative Communities Fund.
• I/we are not applying for anything Whakatāne District Council cannot fund, including salaries and retrospective funding.
• The project/activity I/we are applying for funding for directly benefits people in the Whakatāne District.
• There are no overdue forms, reports or unspent funding owed to Whakatāne District Council from previous funding.
• I/we will abide by the Terms and Conditions for Grant Recipients if I/we receive a grant.

Whakatāne District Council collects and stores information that is given to us as part of the funding application process. This information is collected and stored in accordance with our obligations and your rights set out in the Privacy Act.

Creative NZ requires us to share demographic information, and a short summary of successful applicants, with them for reporting and statistical purposes. Your personal and contact information will not be shared.

For more information on our obligations and your rights, go to Privacy.org.nz