Grants Support

We can help local groups with their grant funding in three ways.

Support to apply for grants in your organisation’s name

IIf your organisation is a legal entity with its own bank account, you may be eligible to apply for grants directly. If you are new to the process, we can help you get started.

We can support you to:

  • find suitable funders and check whether your project meets their eligibility criteria;

  • understand how to use online grant application systems;

  • review examples of grant applications; and

  • prepare supporting documents, such as financial statements, project budgets, supplier quotes and letters of support.

External Funding Opportunities

You can find information about grants and other funding opportunities available from external organisations here.

Applying for a grant through AECN

If your group is not incorporated or cannot apply for funding directly, AECN may be able to submit and administer a grant on your behalf.

You will need a clear project plan, budget, quotes and any required supporting documents. If the application is successful, AECN will hold the funding, pay approved project expenses and complete the funder’s accountability reporting with information supplied by your group.

Support is considered on a case-by-case basis. An administration fee may apply and will be agreed before an application is submitted.

AECN Small Grants Programme

AECN offers grants of up to $1,000 to support local community projects.

The process is simple, with a short application and minimal paperwork.

  • We will meet with you to learn about your project and funding needs.

    If the project may be suitable, we will ask you to complete a short, one-page application and discuss the most practical way to provide the support.

    Applications are considered by the AECN Committee at its monthly meetings. We will let you know the decision and, if approved, provide the grant in the agreed way.

  • Meadowbank Community Garden

    AECN provided a $400 Kings Plant Barn gift card for plants and gardening materials.

    Playday Early Learning Centre

    AECN contributed $500 towards lease costs for the centre’s new location at Ōrākei Baptist Church.

    No formal accountability report was required for these grants.

Discuss your project with us

  • You will need to provide:

    • a brief project description;

    • a project budget;

    • relevant supplier quotes; and

    • letters of support, where required.

  • If we agree to support your project, AECN will:

    • help identify an appropriate funder;

    • submit the application in AECN’s name;

    • provide the required AECN financial information; and

    • include your project documents with the application.

    Support is considered on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.

  • The funding will be held by AECN and used only for the approved project.

    You will send us authorised invoices that match the approved budget, and AECN will pay the suppliers directly. We will keep you informed of the remaining balance.

    You will also need to provide the information required for the funder’s accountability report. Any unspent money must be returned in accordance with the grant conditions.

    AECN may charge an administration fee. Any fee will be agreed before the application is submitted.

    AECN acted as the umbrella organisation for the Eastern Bays Sustainable Garden Trail in February 2024.

Online Funding Workshop

On 19 March 2024, Auckland Council and Auckland East Community Network facilitated the first online funding workshop. It is based on Auckland Council funding but could apply to other funders. A video of the Zoom meeting can be found here.

Presented by Auckland Council and community-led Auckland East Community Network