New tool to aid community events funding application process

Funders in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty have established a new fund that will streamline application processes for community events.

The Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund launched last week, and brings together Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, TECT, Bay Trust, and the Acorn Foundation.

The collaborative fund idea came from successful Covid-19 response funds, and workshops with funding partners and event industry members in 2021 when developing the Tauranga Events Action and Investment

Plan to be released this month.

A total of $700,000 is available with a maximum of $50,000 per applicant for events held in Tauranga and of $15,000 per applicant for events held in Western Bay of Plenty.

The combined approach aims to ease how community event organisers secure funding, as they can now apply for a significant amount from a single fund. Previously, community event organisers may have had to apply to multiple funders to reach their funding requirement.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s strategy and community general manager Rachael Davie is encouraging event organisers to take the opportunity to potentially secure funding for their events.

“We’re proud to be part of this, which will make it easier for new events to take shape and allow muchloved existing events to continue. They provide a huge benefit for our communities, bringing people together and creating a sense of whanaungatanga, so it’s important we support them,” said Rachael.

Tauranga City Council’s community services general manager Barbara Dempsey says the move is a collaborative step forward in backing local events.

“We know residents and visitors love to attend events here and we know the benefits events bring to community wellbeing and inclusion. By joining with other funding partners, we want to make it easier for organisers to access funds that will result in great events,” said Barbara.

The new fund replaces Tauranga City Council’s Community Event Fund; however, its Event Support Fund, Major Event Fund, and Legacy Event Fund will remain open. TECT will also continue to receive applications for major and legacy type events directly.

Applications for an initial round of funding are open until July 31 and will support events for the 2022/ 2023 financial year. Applications will then be considered on a bi-monthly basis following the initial launch period.

TECT community impact manager Paula Hudson says she is excited to see the launch of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.

“We are pleased to continue our partnership with the other funders, and can’t wait to see the return of a vibrant events scene in our region.”