Sometimes it can feel like your community project or idea might be too small to qualify for funding. That’s where Waitematā Local Board’s Quick Response Grant comes into play.
From new toys at Grey Lynn Toy Library to self-defence classes for women by Kia Haumaru, these grants help support smaller projects with up to $4,000.
“In the hands of the community, a few hundred or thousand dollars can make a huge difference,” says Alexandra Bonham, Waitematā Local Board chair.
“It’s exciting finding out about the projects proposed and the impact they have.”
Grey Lynn Toy Library has been serving the community for over 30 years and currently has more than 80 members. The library prides itself on providing high quality, durable toys that spark imagination, fun, and active play.
Staff and volunteers recently stumbled upon a couple of challenges. The first being that they didn’t have the appropriate storage bags required to accept the kind donations of new toys from the community. The second was an increase in families with children of six to eighteen months, and the “babies” section of the toy library was starting to look a little bare.
Tammie, who volunteers for the toy library as a social media manager and toy buyer, says a recent $2,000 Quick Response Grant funding has allowed them to overcome both challenges.
“The grant was great to get more toys and keep the toy library running. Some toys have multiple pieces, so the bags really help keep the toys together and protect them.”
One toy Tammie says is really popular with toddlers (even her five year old) is the Busy Board. It’s a hands-on toy with buttons, latches, switches, and textures mounted on a board. Thanks to the grant, the library has been able to purchase another one so that the waitlist isn’t so long.
Through the latest grant, the library has also purchased Bluey and PAW Patrol themed toys, sensory play mats, and trestle tables for party hire. Previous grants have been used to invest in larger items like soft-play sets, play slides, and ride-on toys; which families often don’t have the space to keep around permanently.
Kia Haumaru – Personal Safety Education is a charity that’s been around nearly 40 years, helping to empower women and people in the rainbow community with basic self-defence training. Classes include mental, verbal and physical strategies, as well as information about abuse and where to get support.
They recently received a Quick Response Grant from the local board to teach four free courses at the Auckland Women’s Centre for adults.
“It changes your body language, and it changes your attitude,” says Julie, the course facilitator.
“There's research showing that those who have been hurt before are less likely to get hurt again just by participating in the course.”
The grant has funded a general course and a course aimed at migrant women. Julie says the grant means people who might not be able to afford payment have the opportunity to attend.
“We’re trying to reduce the barriers for people to participate. It’s really important because everyone has a right to be safe.”
Themes that come through in feedback from past courses include empowerment, fun, friendship, and feeling safe and welcome in the space.
Apply now
The current Waitematā Quick Response Grant round closes 23 October 2026. Got a local community project or activity in mind? Check if it could be eligible for funding and apply online now.
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