Accelerator Fund

Things to know

• The Accelerator Fund has been designed for groups who need that extra boost of support to achieve aspirations. As well as providing financial support, we will also work alongside groups to provide advice and facilitate opportunities to learn about planning, strategic direction, governance, and sustainable funding.
• Community groups or organisations can receive up to $20,000 per year under this fund, for three consecutive years.
• Funding may be used to support operational costs.
• Agreements under this fund are for three years and will be decided after Council’s long-term planning process.
• An organisation is not eligible to reapply after receiving a grant under this fund.
• Applicants must demonstrate eligibility and alignment to at least one of Council’s community funding priorities (see "Community outcomes" section below).

Application checklist

Before starting your application, take a look at this checklist of information you will need to provide and questions to be answered:

• Have you submitted all accountability reports for previous funding from Council?
• Do you have a budget for your organisation, project or initiative? You will need to provide a detailed budget as part of your application.
• Do you have two quotes (or reasoning as to why if you do not)?
• Do you have a copy of your organisations latest financial audits? You will need to provide a copy of your organisations latest financial audits as part of your application.
• Do you have a pre-printed bank deposit slip or internet banking screenshot? This must clearly show the organisation name alongside the account number.
• Do you have relevant supporting information? This can include cover letters or photographs.

Community outcomes

Applicants for the Accelerator Fund need to demonstrate how the project, event or initiative meets one or more of the community outcomes as outlined:

Tangata whenua are acknowledged and respected

We want to fund initiatives, projects or activities that:

• Meet the needs and aspirations of hapū and iwi   
• Promote the cultural heritage of Māori  
• Celebrate Māori identity   
• Improve knowledge of tikanga and te reo  

Vibrant places and connected communities

We want to fund initiatives, projects or activities that:

• Celebrate our people, history or culture
• Support arts, culture, Ngā toi and sporting activities  
• Connect people for shared experiences  

Resilient communities working in partnership

We want to fund initiatives, projects or activities that:

• Improve the ability of whanau and communities to meet their needs
• Establish safe places that offer support to vulnerable people in our community  
• Promote collaboration within the community and foster a spirit of working together  
• Enhance social and economic resiliency in our communities

Innovative, thriving economy

We want to fund initiatives, projects or activities that:

• Enhance the image of our district   
• Support vibrancy and attractiveness of our public places

Flourishing environment 

We want to fund initiatives, projects or activities that:

• Improve the state of our natural environment and conservation efforts
• Promote sustainable outcomes  
• Champion activities that emphasise the principles of reuse, reduction, or recycling of waste

Things to know after you apply

Confirmation and decision

• After submitting your online application for funding, you’ll receive an automated email to confirm your application has been received.
• Following the closing date of applications, if relevant, a member of our team will be in contact with you if you indicated you wish to present your application to decision makers.
• You will receive an email in due course notifying you of the outcome of your application and payment will be arranged from there.
• Successful applicants will be required to submit an accountability report evidencing spending and funding outcomes.

Tips for your application

Our Funding Toolkit is a great place to start when developing a funding plan. We recommend you take a look at it before applying to any funding opportunities to make sure your ducks are in a row.

Go to the funding toolkit