Fund details
Closed: No longer available
Contact: Funding Team Funding@wcc.govt.nz
Past allocations: See past allocations (264KB PDF)
About this fund
The Social and Recreation Fund supported projects and organisations delivering services that contributed to the Council's Long-term Plan. It prioritised projects that demonstrated evidence-based need and have positive social wellbeing outcomes aligned with one or more of the fund's priorities.
Fund review and framework
A review of the Social and Recreation Fund led to proposed changes and the development of a new funding framework, which was approved on 17 May 2025. Tahua Whaihua Hapori – the Community Outcomes Fund was established to replace the Social and Recreation Fund, with applications opening in July 2025.
The new fund set out two core priorities aligned with the Council’s Long-term Plan (LTP) and areas where the Council’s role as a funder could have the greatest impact:
- Safety and Wellbeing (aligned with LTP activity 5.2.8 – City Safety):
Supporting an enduring and integrated approach to city safety and wellbeing, ensuring a vibrant and welcoming environment where everyone feels safe.
- Community Resilience and Connection (aligned with LTP activities 5.2.2 – Community Advocacy, and 5.2.5 – Community Centres and Halls):
Delivering equitable outcomes for communities needing āwhina (support), fostering social connections and access to shared spaces. This also included support for local Residents’ Associations.
A separate application process under the new framework was introduced for grant requests under $5,000, with deadlines every 2 months and decisions made by Council Officers.
Under the previous framework grant applications for projects over $5,000 were planned across three annual funding rounds, aligned with the Grants Subcommittee meetings.
The Council’s Long-term Plan 2024–34 allocated additional funding for safety initiatives and projects within the central city. The longer-term priorities for these initiatives were to be shaped by the Safety and Wellbeing Plan. Applications for support are redirected through Tahua Whaihua Hapori – the Community Outcomes Fund.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants were legal entities delivering projects based in Wellington that benefitted Wellingtonians. Projects needed to show community support, collaboration, and partnerships with other organisations.
Fund priorities
The Social and Recreation Fund aligned with several Council strategies supporting the 2040 vision, including:
- Social Wellbeing Framework
- Strategy for Children and Young People
- Tūpiki Ora Māori Strategy
- Housing Action Plan (Homelessness)
- Wellington’s Sustainable Food Initiative
Projects were prioritised if they contributed to an inclusive, liveable, and resilient Wellington, where communities were connected, safe, well-housed, and healthy. Priority was given to projects that:
- celebrated and acknowledged diverse communities
- prioritised the wellbeing of Māori whānau and communities
- provided opportunities for learning and growth, especially for children and young people.