External Funders
External Community Agencies
You can also download our comprehensive funding 'cheat' sheet.
Not sure what to expect when applying for funding. Have a look at this funding check list.
The following are some of the many agencies available throughout New Zealand that offer funding for groups and/or individuals:
We want to support communities now and into the future - by providing a funding framework which provides options and flexibility. In line with our purpose we focus our funding in five key areas of Learn, Support, Connect, Participate and Sustain.
Community Operations, Department of Internal Affairs
We have advisory teams located around New Zealand, available to work with you and your community. Our services help to build strong sustainable communities, hapū and iwi in New Zealand. We work with and for community, hapū and iwi to support the building of community connection, innovation and the empowering of local people to create positive change in their communities.
We are the principal advisor on Government-Māori relationships. We monitor policy and legislation, and we provide government with high quality policy advice.
Kate Valley Landfill Community Trust
The Kate Valley Landfill Community Trust funds charitable and community activities in the local community. Transwaste makes yearly contributions to the Trust based on the annual volume of waste. Since 2005 the Trust has given over $1 million to groups and projects in the Amberley – Waipara area.
This is an $8,000 fund which is annually distributed to groups and individuals within the Amuri Basin (Culverden, Rotherham and Waiau). Recipients should foster the development of sporting, recreational or social activities within the basin for either a group or individuals and align with the values of AIC. Grants of up to $1,000 can be applied for. This is available in two funding rounds which close on mid February and mid July.
MainPower supports a number of community events and initiatives each year through the MainPower Community Fund. The contestable fund allows members of the North Canterbury community to have their say about which charitable organisations and school projects should be supported.
The Trusts Community Foundation
A nationwide not-for-profit company. Funds come from gaming machines operated in some Licensing Trusts and hotels around NZ. The Gambling Act 2003 requires The Trust Community Foundation to ask for a lot more detail than most other funding agencies – not a quick job.
Funds are available for any charitable, philanthropic or cultural purpose that benefits the local community – both large and small. The Lion Foundation owns venues and gaming machines across the country. Your organisation must be incorporated (e.g. under the Incorporated Societies Act or Charitable Trusts Act). It must also have Charities Commission registration or an IRD income tax exemption (e.g. for sports bodies as a body promoting amateur games and sports).
The trust’s main focus is providing funds for amateur sport – 75% of the grants are for sporting purposes. They also support other important causes, including rescue and lifesaving services, community and welfare groups, education and the arts.
Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa
- More young people engaging in more sport and recreation
- More adults engaging in more sport and recreation and
- More winners on the world stage.
Pelorus Trust has been established to promote and develop amateur sport in New Zealand. Additionally, as a secondary objective, the Trust may assist and support charitable purposes
Using a percentage of property sales, fundraising and donations, the Harcourts Foundation gives to charitable community organisations, assists with helping individuals in need as well as helping those affected by large scale cataclysmic disasters. Grants applications must be requested for a specific event, project or initiative.
Manchester Unity Welfare Trust
We provide financial assistance via annual grants to registered charities or Incorporated Societies that are exempt from income tax to assist the elderly in Christchurch and Canterbury.
A non-profit organisation distributing funds generated by their gaming venues. The Foundation supports sports and cultural clubs, community groups, charities, welfare agencies, educational organisations, societies and trusts.