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He Kaupapa Hapori Oro Hanganga Creative Communities Scheme (CCS)
About the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS)
The CCS is a nation-wide programme funded by Creative NZ and delivered in partnership with Auckland Council.
The scheme enables communities to bring art (music, dancing, film-making, weaving, singing, poetry and theatre) into the everyday lives of Aucklanders across the region on beaches, in parks, community halls, theatres, streets and galleries.
Before you apply for this grant, check if you are eligible for (CCS) funding.
Funding rounds
There are two funding rounds a year, closing in February and August each year.
What you need to know before you apply
To find out what you may need to consider before you apply, read the CCS application guide.
The guide states what you will need to include in your application, such as:
- what you want to achieve
- why the funding is needed
- timeline and key stages of your project
- who are the key people involved in your project
- how will the project deliver against the criteria you have chosen
- project costs
- quotations for key costs (including the venue)
- supporting material that you might want to include – examples of your or your group's previous work, or letter of support.
Types of projects funded by the grant
- Arts
Grant value
$500 +
Outcomes
Projects that get funded should do at least one of the following:
- Encourage participation by creating opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in local arts activities.
- Support the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of local communities
- Enable young people (under 18) to engage with and participate in the arts.
Funding priorities
The CCS supports local community projects with an arts or creative cultural focus.
The projects must:
- have an art or creative cultural focus
- meet one of the funding criteria: access and participation / diversity / young people
- be completed within 12 months after funding is approved
- not have started before the project is approved
- benefit local communities
- take place in Auckland
- not already be funded by Creative New Zealand (Creative NZ).
How to apply
Applications for the next grant round open on 1 May 2026.
Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) dates
| Grant round | Applications open | Decision due | Activity to start after |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grant round one | 1 May - 9 August 2026 | Late September 2026 | 1 October 2026 |
More about the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS)
- What happens after you receive Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) funding
- Eligibility for Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) funding
- Costs that the Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) supports
- Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) application guide and multi-language brochures
- Creative Communities Scheme (CCS) funded projects
- Contact a grants advisor