Tūrangi/Tongariro Community Grant
Applications for funding now open
The Tūrangi/Tongariro Community Grant is open for applications, with decisions made in November. For more details and to apply, head to the Funding Portal.
Need help? Email us at funding@taupo.govt.nz.
Applications for the Tūrangi/Tongariro Community Grant close at 5.30pm on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Overview
Supporting vibrant, connected communities in the Tūrangi Tongariro ward, this grant helps bring local projects to life – from cultural celebrations, sporting events and whānau wellbeing to environmental initiatives and community spaces.
If you need funding support for a project or initiative that benefits the community in the Tūrangi Tongariro areas, consider applying for up to $5,000 under this fund! There is $50,000 available for distribution annually, split across two funding rounds of $25,000.
This funding is distributed by the Tūrangi Tongariro Grant Distribution Committee.
Eligibility
Applications must align to our eligibility requirements – as outlined here.
The application process
Step 1: Plan
- You need to start by getting your ducks in a row and evidencing the need for your project before our funding rounds open.
- Check out our funding calendar to know when our funding rounds are next open.
- Our Funding Toolkit will also support you to create a funding plan for your project.
- Sign up to our Community Kōrero newsletter to keep up to date with funding news and opportunities.
- Familiarise yourself with our eligibility requirements and funding criteria which outlines how we consider and prioritise applications to TDC funds.
- If you haven’t submitted a request with us before, we recommend you use this time to create an account and familiarise yourself with our Funding Portal.
Step 2: Prepare
- Once you’ve created an account in our Funding Portal, you will be able to view our application form to get an idea of the types of questions we will ask in an application.
- In addition to our written questions, you will also need to provide the below information as part of your application:
- Evidence of Bank Account
- A budget
- A copy of your latest financial statement (if you are an individual applying this is not required)
- Two quotes, or reasoning for why two quotes cannot be provided
- Any other documentation you think will support your application.
Step 3: Apply
- When funding rounds open, you will be able to submit an online application through our Funding Portal.
- Funds will generally be open for one month. Unfortunately late and/or paper applications cannot be accepted.
- We recommend submitting well before the closing date to allow us to review and come back to you if any additional information is required. We will message you through the Funding Portal if any additional information is sought.
- Once you submit your online application, you’ll instantly receive an automated email confirming we’ve got it – no need to wonder if it went through!
- We hope to get back to you within eight weeks of the application period closing.
Step 4: Assessment
- Your application is considered against different criteria and funding framework depending on what fund you’re applying to.
- The Tūrangi/Tongariro Fund uses this criteria.
Step 5: Decisions
- Different committees consider funding applications.
- If you wish, you may be present at these meetings to answer any questions of clarification decision makers may have.
- Where this applies, we will ask as part of your application if you wish to be present at the decision meeting. If you select ‘yes’ we will be in touch to let you know of the details at the application closing date.
- Committee members, meeting times and locations are available to view here.
- Once decisions have been made, we’ll let you know the outcome through the Funding Portal. You’ll also receive an email notification with a letter confirming the decision.
Step 6: Payment
- If your organisation is GST registered, you will need to send an invoice for the amount offered plus GST to funding@taupo.govt.nz.
- If you are not GST registered, there is nothing you need to do! You will receive the grant payment within one month.
- Don’t forget – we’d love for you to show our support of your project by displaying our logo on your promotional material. Our logo and brand guidelines can be accessed here.
Step 7: Tell us how you got on!
- While we haven’t met anyone who loves written reporting just yet, this is a really important part of the process to help us account for how funds are being spent!
- All reporting will be completed online, in our Funding Portal under the “milestones” tab.
- All funding recipients are required to spend and account for the funds within 12 months of being successful.
- Your reporting asks for updates on how the project went, as well as evidence of how the grant was spent (e.g. receipts, media promotion etc).
Further information
For further information please contact our Taupō District Council funding team:
- Email: funding@taupo.govt.nz
- Phone: 07 376 0899
Past funding recipients
2026 funding recipients
Funding recipients March/April 2026
| Applicant | Purpose | Allocation |
| Omori Kuratau Pest Management Group | To support operating costs for the Omori Kuratau Pest Management Group | $1,000.00 |
| Tūrangi Foodbank Inc | To support operational costs at the Tūrangi Foodbank | $4,000.00 |
| Tokaanu-Tūrangi & Districts Memorial RSA | To support costs for roof maintenance and painting | $3,290.00 |
| Tūrangi Blue Light Ventures | To support costs for a rangatai day trip to Auckland | $1,500.00 |
| Tūrangi Men's Shed | To support costs of establishing a Men's Shed for the Southern Lake Taupō Rōhe | $3,006.00 |
| Tūrangi-Southern Lakes Probus Group | To assist with travel costs for Tūrangi Probus club outings | $1,000.00 |
| Tongariro Sports (Junior Rugby) | To support members with affiliation fees | $390.00 |
| Tūrangi Toy Library | To support operational costs and purchase of toys for the toy library servicing Tūrangi and surrounding areas | $1945.00 |
| The Society for Animal Care Tūrangi | To support operational costs and essential veterinary care at the centre | $2,149.00 |
| Omori Kuratau Charitable Trust | To support costs of internet at the hall for public use | $500.00 |
| Tūrangi Swimming Club | To support costs of the annual membership at the Tūrangi Aquatic Centre for Tūrangi Swimming Club members | $5,000.00 |
| Tūrangi Social Connection | To support costs of a day trip for the Tūrangi Social Connection group | $1,000.00 |
| Tūrangi Tongariro Sports Foundation Inc | To support operational costs of the Tūrangi Tongariro Sports Foundation | $1,000.00 |
| Brain Injury Waikato Inc | To support delivery of Brain Injury Support, Connect and Education Groups | Declined |
| Darlana Hayes | To support costs of a stitching club | Declined |
| Life Education Central Plateau | To support costs of delivering the Life Education programme in Tongariro and Tūrangi schools | Declined |
| Tūrangi Mountain Region Trust | To support costs of undertaking free fortnightly lawn mowing for Kaumatua | Declined |
| Pregnancy Help Taupō | To support operational costs and resourcing for Tūrangi Pregnancy Help mahi | Declined |
| Tūrangi Aero Club | To support costs of repairing and upgrading club kitchen facilities | Declined |
| Tongariro National Trout Centre | To build programmes which focus on fresh water conservation and understanding | Declined |
| Motuoapa Residents Association Inc | To support delivery of a Motuoapa Community Wellbeing and Safety programme | Declined |
| Omori Kuratau Charitable Trust | To support costs for an air-conditioning replacement | Declined |
| SeniorNet Tūrangi Inc | To support operating costs (internet connectivity) | Declined |
2025 funding recipients
Funding recipients August 2025
Applicant | Purpose | Allocation |
|---|---|---|
David Timu | To deliver toi Māori-based creative workshops – Hue Wānanga | $1,500.00 |
The Society for Animal care Tūrangi inc | Funding to cover ongoing veterinary expenses at Animal Care Tūrangi | $5,000.00 |
Tokaanu Tūrangi RSA | Hot water cylinder, ergonomic chairs and a coffee table | $5,000.00 |
Tūrangi Karate Club | To support entrance fee costs for Tūrangi members to participate and compete at the TSKF/ISKF New Zealand 14th Seminar & Championships | $2,000.00 |
Tongariro Junior Rugby | To purchase a marquee for three teams at the Taupo Global Games | $1220.00 |
Tongariro National Troutcentre | To support local school education | $800.00 |
Tūrangi Social Connection (second application) | To support with rent costs for Tūrangi Social Connection | $3700.00 |
Tūrangi Wanderers AFC | To purchase team uniforms and sporting equipment | $5,000.00 |
Southern Lakes Probus Club - Tūrangi | To support a series of group outings for social connection and lifelong learning for retirees | Ineligible |
Tūrangi Social Connection | To support bus costs for social outings for elderly and lonely people | Declined |
Safe Tūrangi | To purchase a mobile community noticeboard | Declined |
Safe Tūrangi | To provide a physical space in Tūrangi Town Centre for Police and other local safety organisations to strengthen community relationships. | Withdrawn |
Funding recipients - April 2025
Applicant name | Purpose | Allocation |
Central Plateau REAP Charitable Trust | To support with the lease costs for the Baden Powell Hall | $3000.00 |
Turangi Land Search and Rescue Incorporated | To support the search and rescue team dog | $1500.00 |
Turangi Community Events (Rotary Club of Turangi) | To purchase shipping containers for storage and event supplies | $3000.00 |
Tokaanu Turangi RSA | To purchase chairs and kitchen equipment for the club | $3300.00 |
Lake Taupo Hospice | To support room hire costs for our Turangi based bereavement services | $900.00 |
Turangi Tokaanu Sports and Cultural Club (AKA Turangi Dambusters Junior Rugby League) | To support operational costs for Turangi Tokaanu Sports and Cultural Club | $2500.00 |
Turangi Mountain Region Trust | To support costs for a lawn mowing service by purchasing lawn mowers and line trimmers | $2000.00 |
Omori Kuratau Charitable Trust | To support essential maintenance work at the Omori Kuratau Community Centre | $2500.00 |
Turangi Foodbank Inc | To support operational costs for the Turangi Foodbank | $3000.00 |
SeniorNet Turangi Inc | To support Turangi SeniorNet members to attend the Federation of SeniorNet New Zealand's annual symposium | $500.00 |
Turangi Blue Light | To support trips and activities that the Tamariki of Turangi may not experience. | $3000.00 |
Oranga kawakawa | To support costs for uniform, signage, and rent. | $1500.00 |
Life Education Trust Central Plateau | To support the Health Harold programme delivery into schools | $750.00 |
Omori Kuratau Pest Management Group Charitable trust | To support costs associated with Pest Management | $2450.00 |
Tongariro National TroutCentre | To support electrical upgrades for the community hub | $1500.00 |
David Timu | To host a wānanga at our marae | $400.00 |
Southern Lakes Probus Club - Turangi | To support a series of group trips aimed at fostering social interaction amongst retirees in the Turangi Tongariro Ward. | $1500.00 |
Turangi Social Connection | To support the elderly and lonely people out of there house once a week for company and friendship | $1200.00 |
The Society for Animal Care Turangi, Incorporated | To support operational Costs for the Animal Care Turangi Centre | $2500.00 |
Tongariro School | To support a school mural | $1000.00 |
Tongariro United women’s rugby team | To support operational costs | $1000.00 |
Tongariro Junior Rugby | To support equipment and services for the upcoming season | $2000.00 |
Turangi Tongariro Sports Foundation Inc. | To support operational costs for the Sports Foundation | $4000.00 |
Turangi Aero Club | To support maintenance of the Aero Club buildings and equipment | $5000.00 |
Birthing Goddess | To support the holistic care throughout pregnancy and childbirth | Declined |
Hate Hone St John | To teach school leavers first aid training | Declined |
Safe Turangi | The purpose of this funding request is to provide the community with a Community Notice Board. | Declined |
Tongariro School (2nd application) | The purpose of this request for funding is to support the enhancement of educational programs, resources, and facilities at Tongariro School | Declined |
Turangi Neighbourhood Support | To support coordinator costs | Declined |
Turangi Community Patrol | Towards the costs of a part time coordinator | Declined |
Turangi Foodbank Inc (2nd application) | We are requesting funding to go towards our operational costs. | Declined |
Family & Financial Solutions Trust | To support costs for two financial mentors | Application redirected to the appropriate fund |
Great Lake Taupo Filipino Basketball | To support basketball tournaments | Application redirected to the appropriate fund |
2023 funding recipients
| Group/Individual | Purpose | Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Tūrangi Mountain Region Trust | To replace lawn mowers, a weed eater and blower that are at the end of life. | $4,000 |
| Tūrangi Social Connection | To support Tūrangi Social Connect | $2,500 |
| Tūrangi Community Patrol | Operational costs for Tūrangi Community Patrol. | $2,500 |
| Taupo Budget Advisory Service Inc. | To fund salary contributions for three of our Financial Mentors that are based in our Tūrangi Office. | $1,000 |
| Kuratau School | To fund the transport costs of taking two classes to Wellington for a week. | $3,000 |
| Tūrangi Neighbourhood Support | To support operational expenses employing our co-ordinator and associated costs. | $2,000 |
| Tūrangi Blue Light | To support Taupō Locals fun day. This event is to coincide with Huka Falls Jet boat locals day. | $3,000 |
| Tūrangi Foodbank Incorporated | To support costs associated with Tūrangi Foodbank Incorporated. | $6,000 |
| The Society for Animal Care Tūrangi, Incorporated | To support operating costs for the Animal Care Tūrangi. | $5,000 |
| Tūrangi Coastguard Incorporated | To assist in printing of our book being produced to celebrate 50 years in operation in Tūrangi. | $500 |
| Pukawa Wildlife Management Trust | To support a track upgrade Pukawa to Omori. | $1,700 |
| Tūrangi Wanderers Football Club | To fund sports equipment for the Football Club. | $4,500 |
| Omori Kuratau Ratepayers Association Incorporated | To facilitate the purchase and deployment of 3 AEDs within the Omori Kuratau Community. | $4,000 |
| Tūrangi Land Search and Rescue Incorporated | Funding support for Land Search and Rescue dog. | $1,800 |
| Tūrangi-Tokaanu Sports and Cultural Club Inc (Tūrangi Dambusters Rugby League) | To support the Turangi Dambusters Rugby League Club, with contribution to the Bay of Plenty Affiliation fees as well as funding regular training gear as our club has grown. | $3,000 |
| STEM Wana Trust | To support the Summer Space Tour 2024. | $4,000 |
| Tūrangi Rangatahi Hub | To support the delivery of the Tūrangi Rangatahi Hub Leadership development and holiday programmes. | $15,000 |
| Omori Kuratau Charitable Trust | To support costs for the Omori Kuratau Charitable Trust - Summer Program. | $1,500 |
| Asthma New Zealand Inc. Rotorua Lakes Region | To support expenses for a mobile asthma nurse. | Declined |
| Life Education Trust Central Plateau | To support the delivery of Life Education Programme in Tūrangi Schools. | Declined |
| Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoors Education Trust | To support rangatahi from Tūrangi-Tongariro to enhance their lives through outdoor education and contribute positively to their communities. | Declined |
2022 funding recipients
Applicant | Purpose | Amount |
Tongariro Natural History Society (Known as Project Tongariro) | To pay part time staff to release recently planted natives and to cut honeysuckle from established plants in the reserve as part of the Oruatua Reserve Restoration Project. | $10,000 |
Tongariro Sports Club Incorporated | To assist in funding seasonal expenses in running junior rugby teams through the season. | $1,000 |
Tūrangi Social Connection | To support the cost of venue hire and transport costs for regional trips. | $3,453.30 |
Pregnancy Help Inc Taupō | To support costs for a Tūrangi service delivery day, providing greater accessibility for clients based in Tūrangi. | $1,000 |
Whareroa Village Residents Association | To support the cost of consumables required for the Whareroa Village Community Predator Trapping Group over the next 12 months. | $823.96 |
Tūrangi Foodbank Incorporated | To primarily support operational expenses, and for other areas such as food purchase if the need arises. | $15,000 |
Tūrangi Community Patrol | To support operating expenses. | $5,000 |
Church of the Cross, Tūrangi | To build a fence and concrete between Te Kapua Park and the rear - northern part of the church building to prevent damage to the church. This area is at the back of the Church and faces onto the park, beside the park playground. | 1,063.50 |
Joyce Hine Te Ata Hoko | To support operational costs involving transport costs for the Tai Chi Instructor. | $500 |
Tūrangi-Tokaanu Sports and Cultural Club INC (Tūrangi Dambusters) | To support the purchase of items for its Rugby League Club. Items include goal post pads, affiliation fees, gear bags (x4). | $3,705 |
Tūrangi Land Search and Rescue Incorporated | Funding support for Land Search and Rescue dog | $1,453.86 |
Waitangi ki Pukawa 2023 Music Festival Committee | To hold a free community music festival at the Pukawa Beach Reserve to commemorate Waitangi Day. | $10,000 |
Tūrangi Rangatahi Hub | To support Tūrangi Rangatahi Hub programmes | $12,000 |
Transparency matters
Please note that all information provided in your application will be made available to relevant funding committees for assessment purposes. Select details - including your name, organisation name, and the amount applied for will also be made publicly available on the Council website.
