Community funding and awards

At different times of the year, we offer awards and funding to individuals and organisations across a variety of areas. Find out what funding is available to you and information about the awards we sponsor and support.

Community Group Grants

Community Group Grants are here to help non-profit groups with funding for special projects and programmes that benefit the Waitaki community.

Creative Communities Scheme

Funding for local arts projects that benefit the Waitaki community and promote participation in the arts.

Donald & Nellye Malcolm Trust

Applications to the Donald & Nellye Malcolm Charitable Trust are invited from charitable and not-for-profit organisations in North Otago.

Waitaki Heritage Fund

Help for heritage place owners to retain, preserve, and maintain historic buildings and sites in the district.

Waitaki Citizens' Awards

These annual awards celebrate Waitakians who go above and beyond for their community. Find out how to nominate someone great.

Sport NZ Rural Travel fund

Help your school or club sports teams participate in local sporting competitions. The Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund subsidises travel for junior teams aged 5-19 years.

Waitaki Biodiversity Fund

Our Biodiversity Fund supports landowners who are taking steps to protect and enhance indigenous biodiversity in the Waitaki District.

Waitaki Waste Minimisation Fund

The Waitaki Waste Minimisation Fund supports individuals, community groups, businesses, Iwi/Māori organisations and education providers who want to deliver a waste minimisation project for their community in the Waitaki district.

Waste Minimisation Education Fund

A small project fund to enable schools and ECE’s to carry out waste minimisation initiatives.

Stronger Waitaki funding directory

Find a list of potential funding, grants and scholarship opportunities to support people, families, community groups and service providers.

Aspiring Leaders Forum Nominations

Waitaki District Council and Otago Community Trust are offering two sponsorships for young leaders to take part in the Aspiring Leaders Forum for 2026.

GrantGuru

The Waitaki District Council is excited to provide the ‘Waitaki Grant Finder’ to all local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits and individuals. This site provides a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities available to you. Our free service means you will never miss a grant opportunity again.

Fund grant schedule 2026

Community Group Grants

  • opens 9 February 2026 -  closes 12 March 2026   
  • opens 3 August 2026 -  closes 7 September 2026

Creative Communities Scheme

  • opens 16 February 2026 -  closes 19 March 2026
  • opens 3 August 2026  - closes 3 September 2026  

Donald & Nellye Malcolm Trust

  • opens 1 July 2026  - closes 31 July 2026

Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund

  • opens 2 March 2026  - closes 1 April 2026

Citizens' Awards

  • opens 1 July 2026  - closes 31 July 2026

Waitaki Heritage Fund

  • opens 2 February 2026  -  closes 28 April 2026
  • opens 27 July 2026  - closes 28 September 2026

Waitaki Biodiversity Fund

  • opens 3 November 2025 - closes 3 February 2026
  • opens 4 May 2026  - closes 24 August 2026
  • opens 3 November 2026  - closes 3 February 2027

Waitaki Waste Minimisation Grant

  • opens 3 August 2026  - closes 31 August 2026

Waste Minimisation Education Fund

  • Schools and certified ECE’s must apply for the Waste Minimisation Education fund by 30 September 2026 and have the funds spent by 30 May 2027, with accountability forms due by 30 June 2027.

 

Throughout the year other potential funding and grants opportunities for our community are identified which will be published on the Stronger Waitaki Funding web page on a regular basis. This initiative has been developed by the Waitaki District Council to support our people, families, community groups and service providers, especially those impacted by COVID-19. Find a list of funding opportunities here.

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