Grant Opportunities - grgcnnr/LoT GitHub Wiki

This page documents the grant landscape for the Library of Things β€” giving the steering group a clear picture of what's available and helping demonstrate to funders that the project has done its homework.

Note: Grant programmes change regularly. All details should be verified directly with funders before applying. This page will be updated as research progresses.

Nelson City Council

Community Investment Fund β€” Small Grants

Funder: Nelson City Council Contact: Chris Pugh (noted in initial planning) Typical amount: Small grants round β€” amounts to be confirmed Eligibility: Community organisations serving Nelson residents Application timing: Check NCC website for current rounds

Fit: Strong β€” NCC has an active community investment programme. The LoT's sustainability and community wellbeing focus aligns well with NCC priorities. A small grant from this fund is recommended as the first funding application β€” it demonstrates momentum and opens the door to larger council support.

Notes: A letter of support from NCC Library (given the potential space/partnership angle) would strengthen any application. Explore whether the new library/civic centre hub development creates an opportunity.

NCC In-Kind Support

Beyond cash grants, NCC may be able to provide:

  • Space within or adjacent to the library facility
  • A letter of support for other grant applications
  • Promotional support via council communications channels

Rātā Foundation

Funder: Rātā Foundation Website: ratafoundation.org.nz Typical amount: Small grants up to $20,000; larger grants also available Eligibility: Not-for-profit organisations delivering benefit in the Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, and Canterbury regions

Fit: Very strong β€” Rātā Foundation's funding priorities map directly onto the LoT's purpose:

  • Connect β€” building resilient communities and reducing isolation
  • Sustain β€” environmentally sustainable organisations and communities
  • Participate β€” removing barriers to access and participation
  • Support β€” helping individuals and whānau flourish

The Nelson/Tasman region is explicitly within their funding area. The LoT's sustainability, equity, and community connection focus aligns well across multiple Rātā priorities.

Requirement: Must be a not-for-profit organisation β€” charitable registration or incorporation needed.

Notes: Rātā is one of the larger regional funders and should be a priority for the establishment funding application once the legal structure is in place. Consider applying via the small grants stream first ($20,000 or less) to establish a relationship.

Top of the South Community Foundation

Funder: Top of the South Community Foundation Website: topsouthfoundation.org.nz Typical amount: Varies by grant round β€” check website for current amounts Eligibility: Community and charitable organisations operating in Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough Application timing: Multiple grant rounds per year β€” check website for current rounds

Fit: Strong β€” the Foundation runs several grant streams relevant to the LoT:

  • Environment Fund β€” annual grants supporting environmental purposes; aligns with the LoT's sustainability and circular economy focus
  • General community grants β€” supports organisations making a positive difference in the Top of the South region

Requirement: Charitable or community organisation status.

Pub Charity

Funder: Pub Charity Limited Website: pubcharitylimited.org.nz Typical amount: Up to $25,000 for community projects Eligibility: Charitable organisations in NZ Application timing: Rolling applications

Fit: Moderate β€” Pub Charity funds a wide range of community benefit projects. The LoT's community access and wellbeing focus is relevant, though the environmental/sustainability angle is less central to their priorities.

Requirement: Charitable status required.

Lion Foundation

Funder: The Lion Foundation Website: lionfoundation.nz Typical amount: Varies β€” up to $50,000 for significant community projects Eligibility: Charitable organisations in NZ Application timing: Rolling applications

Fit: Good β€” Lion Foundation funds community recreation, wellbeing, and social cohesion. The LoT's community connection and access focus is relevant.

Requirement: Charitable status required.

Other Sources to Research

Funder Notes
Four Winds Foundation Environmental focus β€” sustainability angle of LoT may be a good fit
Community Finance (formerly CFML) Low-interest community lending β€” may help bridge funding gaps
Sustainable Business Network / related trusts Sustainability and circular economy focus
Rotary / Lions clubs Local service clubs sometimes fund community projects
COGS (Creative Communities) Less likely to be a fit but worth checking