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Arts Fund

Funds are currently available from the Arts Fund for individuals and organisations, who create opportunities for the Rotorua and Taupō District communities to engage with and participate in the disciplines of art.

Arts Fund

Applications open 1 June and close midnight 30 June.

A total of $4,550 is available to be distributed in 2026.  No gift will exceed 50% of the funds available in any one year to one project or community organisation.

Purpose and who can apply

Through the Arts Fund, Geyser Community Foundation supports individuals and organisations who create opportunities for the Rotorua and Taupō district communities (including Tūrangi, Mangakino, Murupara and Kaingaroa) to engage with and participate in the arts.

What We Fund

Funding requests can be made for:

  • Operational costs (such as wages, salaries, administration, rent, utilities, office expenses, volunteer expenses, consumables and supplies)
  • Project or programme costs (such as community programmes, activities, initiatives, events, materials and resources)

 

What We Don’t Fund

The Arts Fund does not fund:

  • Non-charitable purposes
  • Sports related costs such as uniforms, events, trips, competitions
  • Organisations where the main purpose is to promote a message rather than provide a service
  • Groups operating outside New Zealand
  • Disaster relief organisations
  • Urgent or retrospective applications:
    Projects, programmes, events and costs must not commence or be incurred before funding decisions are made in August/September 2026.
    If your project is due to start around the funding decision dates, please contact us before submitting an application.

 

Ineligible Expenditure Types
Funding cannot be used for:

  • Land, buildings, capital works or major asset purchases
  • Vehicle or property purchases
  • The establishment of loan, scholarship, grant or endowment funds
  • Overseas projects or travel

Arts Fund Focus Areas

The Arts Fund focuses on supporting projects, programmes and initiatives that provide opportunities for the local community to engage with and participate in a range of art forms, including but not limited to:

  • Creative Arts – Film and moving-image art, mixed media, fashion design and other creative practices.
  • Language Arts and Literature – Writing, speech and drama.
  • Music – Instrumental, vocal and composition.
  • Performing Arts – Theatre and dance.
  • Visual Arts – Drawing, painting, photography and sculpture.
  • Other Art Forms and Creative Projects – Creative projects and proposals, including bringing artists, exhibitions and performances to the Rotorua and Taupō districts.

Before You Apply

Please ensure you have the following information available before starting your application:

  • A description of your organisation’s charitable purpose and activities.
  • Details of the project, programme or operational costs you are seeking funding for.
  • Proof or verification of your organisation’s bank account details.
  • Supporting financial information relevant to your funding request, such as costs, budgets and/or quotes.
  • Any additional supplementary information you would like considered as part of your application.

Applicants will be asked to upload supporting documentation as part of the application process.

To Apply

Applications now go through our new online grants portal, making it easier to save and manage your applications all in one place. Please click on ‘Apply Now’ at the top of the page to login or create an account. For new users, click on ‘Not a member?’ and follow the prompts.

Applications forms can be found under the ‘Funding Programs’ Tab.

Note: You must answer every question to be able to save your application. If you do not
have all the information enter placeholder text e.g. 123 or ABC.
Then you can save your application and continue to edit until ready to submit

Other important information:

  • Late applications will not be accepted.
  • Donations must be used for the purpose for which they were gifted.
  • Recipients will be required to attend and provide a verbal report at a Round Table Meeting (dates will be advised closer to the time) about how they spent the gift and outline the benefits gained.
  • Successful applicant/s will be required to be available for interviews and to participate in promotional activities agreed with the recipient/s.  Information about the gifts and the way in which they have been spent may be used by the Geyser Community Foundation for promotional purposes.
  • Successful applicant/s will be selected by Geyser Community Foundation.  The decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
  • Gifts will be made to the successful applicant/s at special awards functions to be held in Rotorua and Taupō (dates tbc).
  • Successful applicant/s are encouraged to acknowledge the Geyser Community Foundation in their promotional activities and on social media. #geysergifts

Reporting

Recipients will be required to attend and provide a verbal report at a Round Table Meeting (these will be in June 2026 with dates confirmed closer to the time) about how they spent the gift and outline the benefits gained. Please ensure you have taken this into consideration when applying.

Important Dates 

Applications open: 1 June 2026
Applications close: Midnight 30 June 2026
Review and decision-making: July / August
Notification of decisions: August / September
Celebration of Giving Awards: Taupō 22 September 2026 & Rotorua 24 September 2026
Grant Payment: 20 September 2026
Round Table Reporting: June 2027 (Date TBC)

For queries regarding your application please contact our Community Engagement Officer,
Leanne Rankin leanne@geysercf.org.nz