Fund snapshot
Why do we have this grant?
We recognise that in some cases, development contributions can be a disproportionate cost for small-scale development projects undertaken by community organisations. This grant aims to offset this cost where the work undertaken is minor and does not increase the use of the site or council infrastructure and services.
What does this grant look like?
Hamilton City Council’s grant for small-scale community developments supports not-for-profit community organisations in Hamilton to pay for development contributions charges. This is a one-off grant to offset a development contributions charge on small developments that have a minimal impact on council infrastructure and services. Generally, the development will be less than 30m2. Consideration will be given to a grant of up to $10,000. Please note grants are not guaranteed and will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to all community groups or organisations who provide free or low-cost activities or services in Hamilton.
To be eligible to apply, groups have to meet the following criteria:
- They are legally constituted not-for-profit community organisations (charitable trust or incorporated society). The applicant organisation must have a Trust Deed or Constitution with a minimum of three board or committee members. The applicant organisation must have been operating for a minimum of 12 months.
- They provide free or low-cost services, programmes, activities or events that benefit Hamiltonians.
- They have incurred a development contribution charge as part of a small-scale development (30m2 or less) on their site.
- They have good record keeping and operating practices i.e. annual accounts, minutes, two bank signatories.
- Have a good track record of accounting for previous grants.
What gets funded?
The grant is for development contributions on small scale community development and is to offset the cost of development contributions only. No other costs are covered by this grant.
The grant opens twice per year.
For more information, please see Council’s Community Grants Policy or contact funding@hcc.govt.nz.
1. Application processes, guidelines and help
You’ll need to register on Smartygrants first, then follow the guidelines to complete your application. This will set out what you need to get together before you apply.
There are many help options available through online guides and video tutorials when you are logged into the Smartygrants platform.
Also, here’s how we can help you with the online application process:
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Contact our DC team before you complete the application to check you meet the criteria to apply. Either call our Customer Services Team on 07 838 6699 during office hours, email us at DCO@hcc.govt.nz.
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Contact our funding staff at funding@hcc.govt.nz for help with completing the form and SmartyGrants support.
2. When and how you can expect to hear back from us
Once we’ve received your application via the Smartygrants platform, our staff will process the application and assess it against the grant’s criteria and guidelines. Staff may contact you during this period if more information is required to complete your application. Staff then report to the Community Grants Sub-committee who have the delegated authority to make the final decisions on all applications received.
You’ll be notified of the decision within 8 - 12 weeks after the DC funding round has closed.
Please note: Any data submitted as part of a Hamilton City Council funding application is available to Hamilton City Council. It is a cloud-based tool that meets all requirements for information security and privacy.
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Last updated 4 September 2025