Event funding framework

Events have the ability to connect and inspire communities, whilst also providing tangible economic benefits.

The purpose of our event funding framework is to deliver on this aspiration by providing financial support to events that champion our event funding values and priorities.

Values and priorities

Our values are integral guiding principles of the event funding framework and our priorities highlight our current strategic focus areas. Make sure you review these before submitting an application as all events will be measured against these criteria.

Values and priorities

Event funds

The event funding framework consists of four event funds. We aim to provide a balance of event activity across our portfolio of funded events, to ensure that residents can enjoy a wide range of sporting, performing arts, cultural events and more. Learn about the funding criteria and the application process below.

Community event fund

Our fund for community-focused and/or community-led events that deliver positive social outcomes for our diverse communities and encourage civic pride.

Community event fund

Event support fund

This is an intermediary step between our community event fund and the major event fund, supporting a wide range of general event activity and initiatives across the city. 

Event support fund

Legacy event fund

This fund is designed to provide ongoing financial support to events that have proven longevity and are important to the cultural and social identity of Tauranga.
 

Legacy event fund

Major event fund

Our fund for events that drive economic growth and attract significant visitation and tourism. Major events will showcase Tauranga as a premiere event destination and an exciting place to live, work, play and visit.

Major event fund

We don’t fund events that

• don’t champion our event funding values or priorities
• request more than 50% of the event's total event expenses
• require funding on an ongoing basis for business-as-usual operations (e.g. not specifically event related)
• have been completed or started prior to the funding being allocated
• are primarily religious, political or protests
• are for fundraisers, markets, raffles or prize money
• support general salaries, rents or other overhead costs except as a proportion of the total event costs
• are predominately commercial ventures or forecasting a modest profit
• require debt servicing assistance or have outstanding debt with Tauranga City Council
• are private functions, lunches, dinners, meetings, conventions etc. ‘Private’ is defined as any event where the general public aren’t able to attend or purchase tickets
• are for research, feasibility studies or evaluations
• have breached previous funding agreements with Tauranga City Council, including post-event reporting requirements and where no commitment has been made to rectify this
• occur outside of Tauranga City boundaries with the exception of TECT All Terrain Park and McLaren Falls
• are run by individuals. We will only grant funding to a legal entity/organisation.

Events we’ve supported

Since the inception of the event funding framework in July 2018, we have funded a broad range of events across the city. 

Event Funding Framework Grants 2021-22 (27kb pdf)  Event Funding Framework Grants 2020-21 (58kb pdf) 
Event Funding Framework Grants 2019-20 (188kb pdf) Event Funding Framework Grants 2018-19 (166kb pdf)

Other funds

We also have the Community Development Match Fund which is specifically designed to financially support community groups and initiatives.

Community Development Match Fund

There are a number of other funding providers in the Bay of Plenty region that you could potentially approach to support your event as well.

Alternate Funding Groups (115kb pdf)