Local groups are being encouraged to attend a workshop next week to discuss what challenges and opportunities are facing the community.
The workshop, run by BayTrust, will also provide an opportunity for the organisation to explain its 2017 Strategic Fund for grants between $100,000 and $500,000.
BayTrust will host a series of workshops across the region in coming weeks and will be at Rotorua's Energy Events Centre next Wednesday between 10am and 12pm.
BayTrust chief executive Alastair Rhodes said each workshop was a chance for organisations to share ideas with one another and suggest how local challenges could be addressed at a community level.
"It's also a great opportunity to brainstorm new ideas for tackling key issues in your own organisation, learn what works for others, and hear from BayTrust about our priorities for the coming year."
Non-profit experts, Exult, will facilitate each workshop and teach participants simple tools and strategies for running 'Think Tanks' within their own team.
Workshop participants will also be reminded that applications for BayTrust's Strategic Fund are now open. Grants of between $100,000 and $500,000 are available for significant community projects or services.
"A total of $2.35 million is available this year. Our Strategic Fund is where BayTrust will be looking to make a meaningful and measurable difference in the Bay of Plenty community and we have nine outcome areas we are looking to fund into," Mr Rhodes said.
The outcome areas are, Improved Natural Environment, Safe Communities, Prosperous Communities, Active Communities, Vibrant and Fun Communities, Strengthened Whanau (babies & youth), Healthy Sustainable Housing, Inclusive Communities and Stronger Community Organisations.
Each outcome area has individual priorities that sit under them. More information about these can be found on the BayTrust website www.baytrust.org.nz.
Last year's successful Rotorua applicants included Rotorua Hospice, the W.I.S.E Better Homes Charitable Trust and NZ Blue Light Ventures.
NZ Blue Light national manager Brendon Crompton said the ground-breaking pilot programme would help Rotorua youth aged 16-24 progress through the graduated driver's license system.
Those who didn't have access to a vehicle or a fully-licensed adult to train them, or who couldn't afford professional lessons or the tests themselves, would be eligible for help.
"We think it's such a good programme we're hoping other areas of New Zealand will soon use it for their young people.
Rhodes says the Strategic Fund is a staged business case application process including an initial expression of interest, shortlist and then business case presentations.