Creative Communities Scheme — Far North

Small grants for arts projects in the Far North that involve the community, open to individuals as well as groups.

Closes

Next round closes 3 November 2026, with the committee meeting on 1 December 2026. The 2026 rounds that have closed were 3 February and 14 May

Who can apply

All groups and individuals involved in local arts and cultural projects can apply. The project must meet at least one of three criteria: encourage participation (opportunities for local communities to take part in local arts activities), support diversity (supports diverse artistic cultural traditions of local communities), or enable young people under 18 to take part in the arts.

Amount

Most successful applications are for $2,000 or less. The district was allocated $57,862 by Creative New Zealand in 2025. Applications of $3,000 or more need you to attend the committee meeting, in person or online

Funding route

Grant

Applicants

Individuals & whānau, Community groups, Marae & hapū

Before you apply

It pays for the running of an arts project, not for buying equipment. The council lists what it will fund: materials for arts activities or programmes, venue or equipment hire, personnel and administrative costs for short-term projects, and promotion and publicity. Among the costs it lists as not funded is "buying capital items or equipment, such as cameras, computers, instruments, costumes, lights or uniforms". Facilities, including upgrades to galleries and marae, are also out, and so are projects without an arts focus.

The council also says applications cannot be accepted when the form is incomplete, quotes are not provided, or the project has already started. Apply before the work begins.

Completing the project report afterwards matters. If you do not, you may be asked to return the funding and you cannot apply for council funding for three years.

Talk to the Funding Advisor before you write: 09 401 5775 or funding@fndc.govt.nz. You can also speak to a member of the assessment committee, whose contact details are at the bottom of the council page.

Official source →

Checked 15 October 2026

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Details change without notice. Check the funder's own page before you apply. Tōku Waka does not administer, assess or award this funding.