Event Fund Round 1 2025-2026.

This is a preview of the 2025-26 Event Fund Application Form form. When you’re ready to apply, click Fill Out Now to begin.
 

Instructions for Applicants

Purpose of the Event Fund

The Event Fund supports events or festivals that are primary of benefit to Manawatū District residents and directly contribute to the Community Development Strategy’s vision of “Our District offers a high quality of life for all residents”.

The Event Fund will support events or festivals that align well with at least one of the following Community Development Strategy goals:

  • We are a welcoming community
  • Everyone has a sense of belonging and are proud of where they live
  • We value who we are and where we have come from
  • We have creative, cultural and recreational participation in our communities
  • We work together to make our whānau and communities better
  • Tāngata whenua are visible
  • Community success is enabled by quality infrastructure, services and technology
  • Our people and communities feel safe
  • We are guardians (kaitiakitanga) of the natural environment
  • Our people have learning opportunities that enhance their life choices
  • We encourage and enable people to shape their future
  • Our people share their skills and experience with others

Criteria

It is preferred that organisations are incorporated societies or trusts, but applications from individuals or commercial organisations will be considered.

Applications need to show clear benefits and outcomes to residents in the Manawatū District. This does not include Palmerston
North, which operates under a separate council.

The applicant should demonstrate that the event or festival:

  • Contributes to a connected and inclusive district
  • Builds unity and community pride by celebrating the district’s character, diversity and individuality through arts and culture
  • Provides opportunities for innovation
  • Is accessible to Manawatū District residents
  • Is not entirely focused on commercial activity
  • Supports Manawatū District Council’s vision, the Community Development Strategy and the Economic Development Strategy

Priority will be given to:

  • Events and Festivals that demonstrate sustainable practices
  • Level of compliance with health and safety
  • Events and Festivals that contribute to achieving at least one of the above listed goals
  • Viability of the proposed event or festival including history of organisation’s capability and capacity for delivery
  • Strengthen participation across diverse communities
  • A collaborative approach which operates across more than one sector which enhances connections with existing and emerging networks and activities eg community, arts, cultures, environmental
  • Events that grow community leadership
  • Compliance with previous reporting requirements

What can and cannot be funded?

The Event Fund will fund a wide range of costs integral to holding an event or festival, which includes venue hire or hiring of equipment such as seating, marquee, lighting and sound as well as marketing, and promotion, health and safety, insurance and transport management costs, hospitality costs. However, it will not fund:

  • Events or festivals where the primary purpose is to fundraise
  • Prizes/Trophies
  • Alcohol
  • Retrospective (funding being applied for following an event or festival)