Council Grants & Community Funding now open
Published on August 05, 2025
Horowhenua is full of people with great ideas and big hearts – and now’s the time to bring those ideas to life.
Round 1 of the 2025/2026 Council Grants and Community Funding is now open, and Horowhenua District Council is inviting local groups, clubs and organisations to apply for funding that helps support and strengthen our communities.
From one-off community events and youth-led initiatives to creative arts, waste reduction, climate action projects and small facility upgrades, Council offers a range of funding opportunities to support the mahi that matters.
Council Chief Executive Monique Davidson says this is an opportunity to support the people behind the good ideas already making a difference in Horowhenua.
“Every year, we see passionate people doing amazing things with the help of this funding. It might be a community garden, a local art project, or a small event that brings neighbours together. If you’ve got an idea that could make a difference, we’d love to help make it happen.”
Grants currently open:
- Climate Action Fund - closes on 31 August 2025
- Community Events and Programmes Fund - closes on 31 August 2025
- Creative Communities Fund - closes on 10 September 2025
- Operations and Small Assets Fund - closes on 31 August 2025
- Horowhenua Rural Halls Fund - closes on 31 August 2025
- Waste Minimisation Fund - closes on 31 August 2025
- Shannon Community Development Trust - closes on 10 September 2025
- Horowhenua Major Events Fund closes once fully allocated
- Youth Empowerment Fund open until 31 October 2025
Recipients of the Community Grants and Community Funding programme align with Council’s priority to enhance health and wellbeing initiatives, as outlined in the Community Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2027. By hosting regular events and supporting local programmes, this funding actively promotes community health and wellbeing, ensuring that Horowhenua remains a place where people feel connected and supported.
Drop-in sessions – Come and talk with us
To make applying easier, Council is hosting a series of drop-in sessions across the district throughout August. These friendly, no-appointment-needed sessions are a great chance to talk with staff, ask questions, or get advice on your application.
Wednesday 6 August
11am to 12.30pm
Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 92 Main Street, Foxton
Monday 11 August
9.30am to 11am
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 10 Bath Street, Levin
Tuesday 12 August
1pm to 2pm
Shannon Library, 62 Plimmer Terrace, Shannon
Monday 11 August
9.30am to 11am
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 10 Bath Street, Levin
Tuesday 26 August
3pm to 4pm
Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, 10 Bath Street, Levin
Successful projects must begin after 1 November 2025.
If you need help with your application, you can also get in touch with the Community Development Team at community@horowhenua.govt.nz or call 06 366 0999.
Photo caption:
Christmas in the Park was funded by the Horowhenua Vibrant Communities Fund – Round 1 for 2023/2024.