Turn your stories into funding with words that win

We are hosting a free and practical Funding and Communications Workshop for the community next Thursday 22 October at the Greytown Town Centre from 2.30pm to 4pm.

The aim of the workshop is to empower everyone who needs funding, both individuals and organisations, to navigate today’s funding environment and develop skills to maximise their funding applications. It will dive into practical tips on how to apply for funds, who to apply to and how to maximise your messaging.

The workshop will be led by Council’s Funding Expert, Lina McManus, and one of our Council’s Communications team, who will present practical advice, real-world examples and hands-on activities designed to help you to secure funding and share your stories to gain maximum traction with funding providers.

Words that win support

Are you an individual or part of a community group, sports club, school, charity or volunteer organisation needing funds?

Come along and learn about:

• Current funding opportunities available to the community
• Funder priorities and expectations
• Planning ahead for funding success in 2027
• Building realistic and fundable project budgets
• Using storytelling and communications to demonstrate community impact
• Building visibility and community support for projects and initiatives

A key focus of the workshop will be learning how to write an effective media release with top tips on how to put together clear, compelling messages that capture attention.

Attendees will leave with practical tools they can apply immediately.

Whether you’re preparing your first funding application or looking to improve your success rate, this workshop will provide useful advice and hands-on learning that can make a real difference.

Open to all

• Community groups
• Sports clubs
• Arts and cultural organisations
• Schools and educational groups
• Volunteer organisations
• Not-for-profit and charitable organisations

What to bring

Participants are encouraged to bring:

• A laptop or notebook
• Information about a current or upcoming project
• Any funding or communications challenges they would like to discuss

Where and when

Our funding workshop is on Thursday 22 October 2026 from 2.30pm to 4pm at the WBS Room, Greytown Town Hall, Main Street, Greytown.

Please register by Monday 19 October 2026 by email: Lina.McManus@swdc.govt.nz

We look forward to helping community organisations build stronger funding applications, showcase their achievements, and tell their stories with confidence.