News

Strengthening Communities Fund 2026-27 Open Now!

6 May 2026

Each year Christchurch City Council puts money aside in its Strengthening Communities Fund so that it can provide financial support to the many groups and organisations who are working to build community wellbeing. Each Community Board is allocated a portion of the funding to distribute locally. Learn more about the Strengthening Communities Fund.

Click here to apply to the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Strengthening Communities Fund 2026/27.

Applications for Council’s Strengthening Communities Fund close at noon on Friday 29 May 2026. Decisions are expected to be made to allocate this year’s funding at the Board’s August meeting.

Organisations will be able to apply to for Strengthening Communities Fund for locally based projects and will now apply to the one Community Board area that most of their participants come from.

Groups can access assistance with making their applications from the community advisers in the Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Governance team.

Two online sessions with identical comment have been held – with one of them available to view. These are followed by drop-in sessions across the Board area to assist groups with making their applications. No appointment is needed.

Need help with your application? Come along, ask questions and hear from Council staff on the dates listed below.

Drop-in sessions:

  • Matatiki Hornby Centre, Saturday 9 May, 10am to 12pm & Thursday 14 May, 1pm to 3pm
  • Rārākau: Riccarton Centre, Monday 11 May, 11am to 1pm
  • Te Hāpua Halswell Centre, Tuesday 19 May, 10am to 12pm & Tuesday 26 May, 4pm to 6pm
  • Upper Riccarton Library, Wednesday 20 May, 5pm to 7pm

The advisers have put together some Frequently asked questions based on questions already asked in this year as well as in previous years.

In addition, along with the wealth of information on the Council website, the advisers are happy to meet 1:1 with groups by emailing halswell.hornby.riccarton@ccc.govt.nz

One off advice from the advisers:

From Helen (Community Recreation Adviser) – take time to talk to us about your application before you make it.

From Marie (Community Development Adviser) – get your application in early – don’t leave it to the last minute.

From Eileen (Community Development Adviser) – don't be afraid to reach out if you have any questions - we are here to help.