Each year, the Council supports wellbeing in the community by providing contestable community grants. These grants help eligible not‑for‑profit organisations fund community services, local events, and initiatives across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

  • Our proposal

    Our Draft Annual Plan proposes to provide $7.12 million in funding for contestable community grants in 2026/27.

  • The alternative option

    Reduce the amount available in some contestable grant schemes by 5%, saving $356,100 in 2026/27 and lowering the rates increase by 0.04%.

Reducing this funding would mean less funding available for grant recipients, and may reduce the level of service they can provide. The impact of any decreased funding may be more apparent as community funding from the Government and other philanthropic organisations is declining, and the cost of living continues to rise.

For a full list of the grants we have the option of reducing funding for click here.

We want to hear what you think

Do you have any feedback on the option of reducing our funding for contestable grants?