Lottery Grants Board (via Community Matters): checklist

Everything from the permit to the thank-you, built from this idea’s own steps and rules. Tick as you go: your ticks stay in this browser.

0 of 9 done

Before

Pick the right category: Community Projects (a defined activity, programme or event), Community Facilities (planning or building a hall, marae, playground or other permanent facility), or Community Support Services (ongoing service delivery, up to three years of operating costs).
Check the round dates on the Community Matters funding calendar. 2026/27 rounds: 22 July-18 August 2026, 2 September-29 September 2026, 6 January-2 February 2027 and 24 February-23 March 2027.
If you have never applied before, call a Community Advisor on 0800 824 824 first.

While it runs

Set up RealMe and your organisation profile in the online grants system; drafts can be saved any time but only submitted while a round is open.
Show how the work fits one or more of the five 'building strong, sustainable communities' areas and who benefits.

After

Prepare a budget, latest financial accounts, bank details and two quotes (no more than four months old) for each major cost item; projects of $100,000 or more typically also need a project brief.
For facilities, secure any partnership funding (10% for $100,000-$250,000, 20% over $250,000) and land ownership or permission before applying; over $250,000 also needs a feasibility study, project manager and maintenance plan.
Wait for the decision (typically two to three months after the round closes) before spending, then file the results report.
Thank donors, sponsors and helpers, by name where they’re happy with that.

Watch out for

Following old guides: the specialist committees, Lottery Community Facilities and Lottery Community funds were replaced on 1 July 2026, so old fund names and criteria no longer apply.
Applying to Community Support Services for a one-off event or for a venue that does not itself deliver services; use Community Projects or Community Facilities instead.
Starting work, or a feasibility study, before the decision; retrospective costs are not funded.
Quotes older than four months, or a facility request over $100,000 without the partnership funding already secured.

Not-for-profit legal entities only. Lottery funding categories changed from July 2026; check which funds are open.

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* General fundraising information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Money figures are examples and estimates, not promises. Check current official requirements before you commit. About this guide