Rates Relief grants are designed to support non-government and not-for-profit groups that make their property available to help improve our community’s wellbeing. This includes social, educational, recreational, cultural, and environmental activities. The Dunedin City Council is one of the few local authorities across the motu (country) that offer this type of grant to community groups and organisations.
In addition to satisfying the requirements of the DCC Grants Management Policy, applicants must be able to demonstrate alignment with the following eligibility criteria:
- The group or organisation is non-government / not-for-profit.
- The facility benefits primarily Dunedin residents.
- The facility is made available for wider community use (through attendance of programmes/ services or by hireage).
- In the opinion of the Council, activities provide significant public good as a result of occupation of the property.
- Activities are accessible to disadvantaged groups and other sections of the wider community.
- Funding priority will be given to groups or organisations that primarily serve priority groups and/or vulnerable individuals.
Organisations are not eligible if they are fully non-rateable under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, hold betting or gaming licences, operate residential housing, or primarily serve adults for entertainment or social purposes.
The DCC runs its Rates Relief fund annually and, this year, applications are open between 1 - 31 October 2025.
Local councils, like ours, have limited money available in grants pools. We’re also responsible for using public funds wisely and making sure they benefit the wider community. This means we have some tough choices to make when allocating grant funding.
Because funding is limited, we give priority to groups that show they can make the biggest positive impact. Meeting the eligibility criteria means your application will be considered, but it doesn’t guarantee funding. Similarly, being a past recipient of the Rates Relief grant does not predispose future funding application outcomes. We carefully assess all applications and aim to support those that, in the Council’s opinion, offer the greatest benefit to the community.
The percentage of rates relief granted per annum will include any non-rateable amount that is applicable to the title and will reflect the Council’s assessment of eligible applications. Grant amounts may vary between based on the following assessment scale:
| Assessed as | Rates discount |
|---|---|
| Primarily serving priority groups, demonstrating high community benefit | Up to 75% |
| Primarily serving priority groups | Up to 50% |
| Standard grant | Up to 25% |
Please note that any money granted will be exclusive of GST.
All applications will be considered by Council, or a Committee of Council, in a public meeting. Please note that Rates Relief funding decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Timeline
This timeline shows the planned dates for the Rates Relief grant process. Please note that timing is subject to change due to possible shifts in Council meeting dates, particularly with local body elections in October 2025.
Applications open
1 - 31 October
DCC staff receive and sort applications
November 2025
Applications submitted to Council or a Committee of Council for review and decision making
December 2025
Recipients notified of the outcome of their applications
December 2025
Successful applicants receive Rates Relief grant
February 2026
Thank-you for your applications.
The applications for Rates Relief have now closed, and staff are assessing the applications.
Contact us
Please contact us at ratesrelief1@dcc.govt.nz if you have any questions about Rates Relief grants or the application process.