External Funding

External Funders

Other Funders in the Ruapehu/Whanganui/Waimarino Regions

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa - Sport Whanganui

Sport Whanganui is a Regional Sports Trust (RST) that works to enhance health and wellbeing in the communities we serve through identifying and addressing barriers to physical activity. We partner with councils to provide advocacy and guidance in sport, recreation and play; to provide connecting between councils and our community and school partners; and to support councils with funding for activation projects through Tū Manawa.

What they fund:

• New or existing activities for children and young people
• Projects increasing participation in sport and active recreation
• Activities targeting less active groups
• Equipment and resources for youth activity programmes

How it works: Administered through Regional Sports Trusts

Local Contact: Sport Whanganui (Regional Sports Trust for the Whanganui area)

Website:www.sportnz.org.nz/tumanawa

Whanganui Community Foundation

The Whanganui Community Foundation is a local philanthropic organisation dedicated to achieving greater social wellbeing and connectedness for people in the Whanganui region. The Foundation provides Quick Response Grants (up to $10,000) with a streamlined application process designed to be nimble and responsive to evolving community needs. These grants support capacity building, project development, and community strengthening initiatives that enhance the resilience and wellbeing of communities across Whanganui, Waitotara, and Ruapehu districts.

Contact: 022 595 8700 | [email protected]
Location: Room 105, Community House, 60 Ridgway Street, Whanganui

Four Regions Trust (formerly Powerco Trust)

The Four Regions Trust was established in 1993 as a charitable trust to distribute profits from the Trust's investments back into the community. With approximately $33 million in assets, the Trust aims to donate around $1 million per year to support worthy causes across the four regions it serves: Whanganui District, Rangitikei District, and parts of South Taranaki and Ruapehu Districts (covering the area of the former Whanganui Rangitikei Electric Power Board).

Over the past five years, the Trust has made more than 457 donations totalling over $4.6 million. Grants support a diverse range of community projects, from technology and equipment purchases to capital projects and community initiatives. The Trust is managed by seven locally appointed trustees who understand the needs of their communities.

Website:www.fourregionstrust.org.nz

Margaret Watt Children's Trust Inc

The Margaret Watt Children's Trust exists "to assist New Zealanders aged 6-20 years in their training for life." This Trust provides support to young people as they develop skills and capabilities for their future.

Contact: Tel: 06-345-4292 | Email: [email protected]

St. Laurence's Social Service Trust

St. Laurence's Social Service Trust provides grants "to organisations which provide assistance to disadvantaged residents in the Whanganui community who are in need of support due to age, sickness, disability, or financial hardship." The Trust focuses on helping those most vulnerable in our community access the support they need.

Contact:[email protected]

TG Macarthy Trust

The TG Macarthy Trust is one of New Zealand's most significant philanthropic trusts, with assets exceeding $100 million. Established in 1912, the Trust donates to registered charitable or educational organisations operating in the old Wellington provincial district (the area of the North Island south of Turangi, excluding Taranaki and Hawke's Bay – which includes Whanganui).

The Trust's mission is to help build strong, inclusive and supportive communities by funding organisations that:

• Improve the quality of life for the disadvantaged and marginalised
• Help children and young people develop and realise their potential
• Look after and provide dignity for older people
• Provide essential medical and emergency services

The Trust operates a Contestable Grant Round (applications open 1 May to 13 June each year, with outcomes notified by end of October), providing grants ranging from small amounts to $100,000+ for operational funding, specific projects, and capital grants. All registered schools in the region receive a biennial library grant. The Trust distributes approximately $2-3 million annually.

Website:www.publictrust.co.nz/grants/t-g-macarthy-trust

JR McKenzie Trust

The JR McKenzie Trust is a philanthropic family trust that has been grantmaking in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1940. The Trust provides approximately $5 million in funding each year to community organisations working towards "a socially just and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand."

The Trust offers two grant types:

• Quick Response Grants (up to $30,000) for seed funding and innovation
• Impact Grants (over $30,000, spanning up to 3 years) for larger initiatives

The Trust's funding focuses on creating:

• Stronger connections and relationships within communities
• Power-sharing so communities can be self-determining
• Fairer access to resources for equitable outcomes
• Greater capacity for communities to lead transformational change

Applications can be submitted at any time through an Expression of Interest process, with decisions made quarterly for larger grants.

Website:www.jrmckenzie.org.nz

The Tindall Foundation

The Tindall Foundation is a private philanthropic family foundation working throughout Aotearoa New Zealand to help build a stronger, sustainable nation so that families, communities, and the environment thrive. The Foundation's work prioritises initiatives that support equity for tamariki/children, rangatahi/young people and their whānau/families.

The Foundation operates through Local Donation Managers across New Zealand who distribute donations on behalf of the Foundation. These include:

Tindall Foundation – Faith-based Local Donation Managers

Faith-based organisations including Presbyterian Support NZ and Baptist Churches of NZ act as Local Donation Managers, providing grants of $500 to $15,000 for initiatives within their faith communities that align with the Foundation's Whānau/Family focus area.

Tindall Foundation – Environmental organisations

The Foundation supports connected approaches that mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, and address equitable adaptation and transition to a net zero economy.

Catalytic Foundation (formerly United Way New Zealand)

The Catalytic Foundation acts as a Local Donation Manager for The Tindall Foundation in several regions including Manawatū/Horowhenua, Whanganui, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. The Foundation provides grants (typically $2,000-$10,000) to small to medium community-based organisations providing direct social services to whānau/families and individuals.

Priority Areas: Education & Skills, Health & Wellbeing, Housing & Financial Stability, early years support, youth development, food security, community services, Māori and Pasifika communities, refugee and migrant communities, skill development and financial literacy.

The Catalytic Community Grants annual funding round typically opens in October each year.

Tindall Foundation Website:www.tindall.org.nz
Catalytic Foundation Website:www.catalytic.org.nz

Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui – Te Mana O Te Awa Fund

Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui provides funding through Te Mana O Te Awa Fund to support initiatives that honour and care for the Whanganui River and the communities connected to it.

Website: Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui – Te Mana O Te Awa Fund

Office for Seniors – Age-friendly Fund (formerly Community Connects)

The Office for Seniors provides an Age-friendly Fund to support communities to become more inclusive and accessible for older people. The Fund makes one-off grants from $5,000 to $15,000 for projects that:

• Foster connection, boost wellbeing, or design inclusive spaces for older New Zealanders
• Develop Age-friendly plans for communities
• Support new initiatives that help older people feel valued, connected, and empowered

Grants are available to New Zealand councils, community organisations, and registered non-profits (with support from their local council). Applications close 30 September annually, with projects running the following calendar year.

Website:www.officeforseniors.govt.nz/our-work/age-friendly-communities

Horizons Regional Council

Horizons Regional Council offers several grant programmes to support environmental and community initiatives across the Manawatū-Whanganui region (including Whanganui, Rangitikei, Tararua, Horowhenua, Ruapehu, and parts of Waitomo):

Kanorau Koiora Taketake – Indigenous Biodiversity Community Grant

Supports projects focused on reconnecting with and enhancing indigenous biodiversity, including wetland restoration, native planting, pest control, and habitat protection.

Pūtea Hapori Urupare Āhuarangi – Community Climate Response Fund

Supports community-led projects addressing climate change issues, including food sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental education.

Pat Kelly Enviroschools Action Fund

Supports sustainability projects in Enviroschools across the region, including gardens, composting systems, and environmental education initiatives.

Environmental Education Grant

Available year-round to schools and centres not part of Enviroschools, supporting projects focused on biodiversity, biosecurity, and water quality.

Annual funding rounds typically open in March, with approximately $442,000 allocated across the various funds. Eligible applicants include community groups, iwi/hapū, schools, and early childhood centres undertaking not-for-profit environmental projects.

Website:www.horizons.govt.nz/about-our-region-and-council/grants-and-sponsorship
Contact: 0508 800 800

Harcourts Foundation

The Harcourts Foundation is the charitable arm of Harcourts real estate company, supporting communities throughout New Zealand. Since 2008, the Foundation has raised in excess of $9 million for charities, community groups, and crisis funds across New Zealand.

The Foundation supports:

• Advancement of social and community welfare
• Relief of poverty
• Care, support and protection of the aged, children, young people and people with disability
• Community development to enhance social and economic participation
• Art and culture
• Education

The Foundation has a clear focus on providing grants to reputable community-based organisations for projects and initiatives designed to benefit as many people as possible. Grants must be for specific projects, items, or initiatives scheduled within six months of receiving the grant.

What they don't fund: Individual needs (salaries/wages), administrative or operational costs, overseas travel, religious/political/hobby causes, marketing/advertising, schools (note: registered charities only, no sports clubs).

The Foundation typically operates in rounds throughout the year. 100% of funds raised go directly to charities.

Website:www.harcourtsfoundation.org/new-zealand

ANZ Staff Foundation

The ANZ Staff Foundation is a charitable trust funded by ANZ staff payroll giving (with ANZ matching contributions at $2 for every $1 donated). Since 2000, the Foundation has distributed over $9 million to more than 1,000 charities and community projects nationwide.

The Foundation supports registered New Zealand charities whose work fulfils one or more of these purposes:

• Assisting in the promotion of financial literacy
• Providing opportunities for all New Zealanders to achieve economic and social independence
• Providing access to learning opportunities that prepare people for meaningful work and quality of life
• Assisting people working together to create viable and secure communities
• Assisting communities to conserve New Zealand's natural and historic resources

Grant Amount: Maximum of $25,000 per charity per funding round

Funding Rounds:

• Round 1: Applications 1 January – 15 February (outcomes late April, funds used May-October)
• Round 2: Applications 1 July – 15 August (outcomes late October, funds used November-April)

What they don't fund: Organisations that received funding in previous 12 months, schools, sports clubs, endowments, fundraising events, fixed assets (unless critical equipment), non-NZ charitable projects.

Website:www.anz.co.nz/about-us/corporate-responsibility/community/staff-foundation

Creative NZ (Arts Council of NZ Toi Aotearoa)

Creative New Zealand is the national arts development agency, providing funding and support for the arts across all artforms including Ngā Toi Māori and Pacific arts. Creative NZ offers a variety of opportunities including funding for emerging and established artists, art practitioners, groups and organisations.

Main Funding Programmes:

• Arts Grants: Project-based grants from $5,000 to $75,000 for individuals, groups and organisations across all artforms
• Investment Programmes: Multi-year funding for significant arts organisations
• Creative Communities Scheme: Partnership with 74 local authorities (including Whanganui District Council) for local, grassroots arts projects
• Various fellowships, awards, residencies, and scholarships

Creative NZ supports projects across diverse artforms including community arts, craft/object art, dance, inter-arts, literature, music, multidisciplinary arts, Ngā Toi Māori, Pacific arts, theatre, and visual arts.

Website:www.creativenz.govt.nz
Contact: 0800 273 284 | [email protected]

Transpower CommunityCare Fund

The Transpower CommunityCare Fund assists communities affected by Transpower's overhead transmission lines and substations by investing in community-based projects that add real value and benefit to those communities. Established in 2007, the Fund allocates around $300,000 annually.

Grant Details: One-off grants up to $15,000 for projects in communities within 2.0km of Transpower assets (use their online map to check eligibility)

The Fund considers:

• Projects that involve or promote energy efficiency, electrification or sustainability, OR projects that promote access to energy or address energy challenges
• Lasting projects with wider-reaching benefits to the community
• Committed projects with funds already raised from other sources (CommunityCare grant will complete the funding required)

Funding Rounds: Two rounds per year

• Summer round: Applications close late February (decisions in March)
• Winter round: Applications close late August (decisions in September)

Eligible applicants include community groups, organisations, schools, sports clubs, and councils (must be independent, local, non-profit, and have bank accounts).

What they don't fund: Operational costs (salaries, administration, rent, bills), individuals, political organisations, other foundations, organisations that received funding in last two years.

Website:www.transpower.co.nz/about-us/our-work-community/communitycare-fund

Public Trust – Various Charitable Trusts

Public Trust administers numerous charitable trusts providing funding. For the Central and Lower North Island, relevant trusts include:

Earle Creativity Trust (Manawatū/Rangitīkei only)

Supports visual arts, music, science & technology, history & literature projects in the Manawatū and Rangitīkei regions.

Page Trust

Covers Hamilton and Palmerston North, including Bulls, Marton and the lower Rangitīkei area, providing support for educational and community purposes.

Frozen Funds Charitable Trust

Provides grants specifically for "projects run by, and for, people who use mental health or intellectual disability services."

Estate of Helen Stewart Royle Charitable Trust

Offers funding for "organisations that can directly apply funds to specific projects that provide humanitarian aid (assistance and relief) to women or older people."

Website:www.publictrust.co.nz/grants

Gaming Trusts

Gaming trusts (also called Community Gaming Trusts) operate Class 4 gaming machines in pubs and clubs throughout New Zealand. Under the Gambling Act 2003, these trusts are required to return at least 40% of their gaming machine proceeds to the community through grants. Approximately 90% of these funds are returned to the local community where the funds were raised, with the remaining 10% supporting national causes.

Important: Your organisation must apply to trusts that have gaming venues in your local council area, as funds are returned to the communities where they are generated.

Pub Charity Limited

Pub Charity Limited has been distributing grants to community organisations across New Zealand since 1987. The Trust's policy is to return grant funds from gaming machines in their member hotels and taverns back to the communities where they were raised, as well as supporting some national organisations.

Geographic Coverage: Waiouru, Taihape, Marton, Bulls, Ohakune, and Whanganui

What they fund:

• Sports equipment, uniforms, travel and accommodation
• Community groups and charitable organisations
• Education initiatives and equipment
• Arts and culture projects
• Health and wellbeing services
• Administration and operating expenses
• Capital expenditure and equipment

Application Process:

• Monthly funding rounds with closing dates (check website for current dates)
• Applications must be received by 5:00pm on the grants cut-off date
• Allow at least 5-10 working days for notification after Net Proceeds Committee meetings
• Organisations must wait a minimum of 3 months before reapplying

Eligibility:

• Must be an incorporated organisation (Incorporated Society, Charitable Trust, etc.)
• Must have Charities Commission registration or IRD tax exemption
• Applications must be for future purposes (no retrospective funding)
• Must have a Pub Charity venue in your local council area

Website:www.pubcharitylimited.org.nz

Grassroots Trust Central (formerly Infinity Foundation)

Grassroots Trust Central was formed in 2020 when Infinity Foundation partnered with Grassroots Trust under one brand. The Trust shares a passion for amateur sport, education, and various charitable community initiatives.

Geographic Coverage: Whanganui District only (part of wider Grassroots Trust network covering many regions)

What they fund:

• Amateur sport and active recreation
• Educational initiatives
• Charitable community projects
• Equipment and facilities
• Travel and accommodation for eligible purposes

Application Process:

• Monthly Board meetings to review grant applications
• Applications recommended at least TWO MONTHS before funding is required
• Applications started but not submitted within 20 days will be archived
• Encourage organisations to seek funding from multiple sources

Eligibility:

• Registered charities, incorporated societies, schools, or groups affiliated to regional/national bodies
• Must be operating for not-for-profit purposes
• Funds distributed in the area where they were generated

Contact: 0800 957 960 | [email protected]
Website:www.grassrootstrust.co.nz and www.grassrootstrustcentral.co.nz

The Lion Foundation

The Lion Foundation is one of New Zealand's oldest and most respected charitable trusts. Since 1985, they have returned over $1 billion back to the community, supporting thousands of causes across New Zealand.

Geographic Coverage: Whanganui and Hunterville only (Marton operation ceased in 2020)

What they fund:

• Health initiatives
• Education programmes
• Sports (equipment, uniforms, travel, facilities)
• Community, arts, culture, heritage and environment
• Administration and operating expenses
• Capital expenditure

Policy: Approximately 90% of funds are returned to the local community where generated, with 10% supporting major national causes (Royal NZ Plunket Trust, Surf Life Saving NZ, Assistance Dogs NZ, etc.)

Application Process:

• No closing dates - applications accepted year-round
• Allow AT LEAST EIGHT WEEKS for processing
• Monthly Trustee meetings
• Payments usually made on the last Thursday of each month
• Organisations may apply once every 12 months (10 months from last grant approval)

Requirements:

• Two competing quotes required for each item
• Must use the supplier who provided the quote unless written permission obtained
• No retrospective funding
• No international travel expenses

Eligibility:

• Must be incorporated (Incorporated Society, Charitable Trusts Act, etc.)
• Must have Charities Commission registration or IRD income tax exemption
• Must have a Lion Foundation venue in your local council area

Contact: 0800 802 908
Website:www.lionfoundation.nz

NZ Community Trust (NZCT)

Established in 1998, NZCT is one of New Zealand's largest gaming trusts with 13% of market share. The Trust's main focus is providing funds for amateur sport (around 75% of grants), with additional distribution to other charitable purposes.

Geographic Coverage: Whanganui only (operates venues across New Zealand)

What they fund:

• Amateur sport and active recreation (primary focus)
• Rescue and lifesaving services
• Community and welfare groups
• Education initiatives
• Arts and culture
• Health services
• Equipment, uniforms, facilities, salaries, travel, accommodation

Application Process:

• Applications submitted through Fluxx Grants Portal online
• Two Net Proceeds Committees: NPC1 (larger applications, monthly meetings) and NPC2 (smaller applications, fortnightly meetings)
• Letter of Intent (LOI) must be submitted first
• Processing typically within 20 working days for smaller grants
• Larger grants ($30,000+) reviewed at monthly Board meetings

Eligibility:

• Incorporated entities eligible for New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)
• Registered under Charitable Trust Act, Incorporated Societies Act, or Companies Act (not-for-profit)
• Preferably legally constituted for at least one year
• Must have an NZCT venue in your area

Website:www.nzct.org.nz
Contact: Apply through online Fluxx Grants Portal

TAB Gaming Grants (Bobby Foundation)

TAB NZ's gaming grants programme was rebranded as the Bobby Foundation in recent years. Named after Phar Lap's nickname "Bobby", the foundation's unique feature is that 100% of its funding goes exclusively to domestic racing and grassroots sports.

Geographic Coverage: Nationwide

What they fund:

• Sports clubs ONLY (grassroots amateur sports)
• Horse racing organisations ONLY
• Uniforms, courts, equipment, venues, facilities
• NOT available for non-sporting community groups

Special Note: This fund is highly specialised - it only supports sports clubs and horse racing. If your organisation is not a sports club or involved in racing, this fund is not applicable.

Since 2010, TAB NZ has returned over $34 million to sporting communities through its Class 4 gaming licence, enhancing conditions for local clubs, providing equipment, and ensuring transportation.

Contact: Through TAB NZ venues
Website:www.bobby.org.nz and www.tabnz.org/grants

The North and South Trust Limited

The North and South Trust Limited was set up primarily to support amateur rugby and sport. The Trust generates funds by operating Class 4 gaming machines in venues across several regions.

Geographic Coverage: Taihape only (also operates in Auckland, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay & Manawatu regions)

Authorised Purpose:

• Primary: Promotion and development of amateur rugby union football
• Secondary: Promotion and development of any amateur sports in recognised leagues/competitions
• Tertiary: Any charitable, educational, cultural or philanthropic purpose beneficial to the public

What they fund:

• Ground hire or maintenance fees
• Buildings and facilities
• Equipment and uniforms
• Travel and accommodation costs
• Tournament fees
• Referees
• Educational programmes
• Charitable and community purposes

Application Process:

• Board meets on the fourth week of each month
• Apply at least six weeks before funding is needed
• Applications can only be lodged 3 months in advance maximum
• No retrospective funding
• Can apply multiple times throughout the year
• Average grant around $2,000 (range from $100 to $250,000)

Eligibility:

• Non-profit organisations
• Registered charities or incorporated societies
• Amateur sports teams and clubs
• Charitable and educational organisations

Website:www.nstl.co.nz

Wanganui Rotary Trusts

The Rotary Club of Wanganui administers several trusts that provide funding for specific purposes within the Whanganui community. These trusts have been established over many years through bequests and are managed by Rotary volunteers.

Website: Wanganui Rotary

Wanganui Education Trust

The Wanganui Education Trust provides funds to young people who have a specific educational need. This trust focuses on supporting educational opportunities that might not otherwise be accessible to young Whanganui residents.

Purpose: Educational funding for young people with specific educational needs

Geographic Coverage: Whanganui

Contact: Wanganui Rotary Club (contact through local Rotary members or Whanganui Community House)

George Boulton Trust

The George Boulton Trust operates similarly to the Wanganui Education Trust, providing educational support to young people in Whanganui. The Trust awards scholarships to students pursuing further education and training.

Purpose: Educational funding for young people, similar to Wanganui Education Trust

Geographic Coverage: Whanganui

Examples: The Trust regularly provides scholarships to students at UCOL Whanganui for various programmes including nursing, early childhood education, mental health and wellbeing, and other tertiary qualifications.

Contact: Wanganui Rotary Club

Eleanor Burgess Trust

The Eleanor Burgess Trust has a unique and specific focus on the beautification of Whanganui. This trust may be approached for funding for community projects that enhance the visual appeal and amenity of the city.

Purpose: "Beautification of Wanganui" - projects that improve the aesthetic quality of the city

What they may fund:

• Planting trees
• Creating or enhancing gardens
• Public space beautification projects
• Community landscaping initiatives
• Projects that enhance Whanganui's visual appeal and amenity

Geographic Coverage: Whanganui

Contact: Wanganui Rotary Club

Lotteries funds

• Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS)
• Lottery Community
• Support for Volunteering
• Lottery Outdoor Safety
• Lottery Significant Projects
• Lottery Community Facilities
• Lottery Environment and Heritage

Other Government Funds

Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS)

Type: Department of Internal Affairs fund (NOT a Lottery fund)

COGS provides grants to non-profit organisations delivering community-based social services that contribute to achieving locally determined outcomes. Each local area has its own COGS committee.

Coverage: Whanganui has a local COGS committee making funding decisions for the area

What they fund:

• Community-based social services
• Operating costs for service delivery
• Projects contributing to community wellbeing
• Services for priority sectors: children/youth, older people, families/whānau, people with disabilities, ethnic communities

Eligibility:

• Organisations with less than $2 million annual operating expenditure
• Must deliver community-based social services
• Budget and financial reporting required

What they DON'T fund:

• Retrospective costs
• Fundraising events
• Religious activities
• Political activities
• Equipment over certain thresholds

Application: Annual funding rounds through Community Matters online system
Website:www.communitymatters.govt.nz/community-organisations-grants-scheme

Support for Volunteering

Type: Government initiative supporting volunteer-involving organisations

This programme supports organisations that involve volunteers, helping to build capability and capacity in the volunteering sector.

Contact: Department of Internal Affairs
Website:www.communitymatters.govt.nz

Oranga Marae

Type: Ministry for Culture and Heritage programme

Oranga Marae supports marae to maintain and develop their facilities and programmes, strengthening marae as centres of Māori community life.

What they fund:

• Marae facility maintenance and development
• Marae-based community programmes
• Projects strengthening marae capability

Contact: Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Website:www.mch.govt.nz

Te Pū Harakeke Fund

Type: Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Māori Development) fund

Te Pū Harakeke supports Māori to host community projects and events. The fund now also distributes Matariki funding on behalf of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Three Specific Purposes:

1. Māra Kai: Funding for Māori to set up sustainable community garden projects and learn about food growing
2. Matariki Celebrations: Funding for Māori to participate in or hold Matariki celebrations and education programmes (events must occur within the Matariki period each year)
3. Sponsorship: Funding for community events and activities that contribute to Māori development

Eligibility: Māori organisations and communities

What they DON'T fund (with exceptions):

• Administration costs (except for Matariki and Sponsorship purposes where specific admin costs are considered)

Application: Applications open annually
Contact: Te Puni Kōkiri
Website:www.tpk.govt.nz

Ethnic Communities Development Fund

Type: Ministry for Ethnic Communities fund

This fund supports ethnic communities to develop their capacity, participate in New Zealand society, and maintain their cultural identity.

Website:www.ethniccommunities.govt.nz

Manatū Taonga - Ministry for Culture and Heritage Grants

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage administers several funding programmes (NOT lottery funded):

Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund

Supports community projects and events commemorating Waitangi Day.

New Zealand History Research Trust

Supports research projects related to New Zealand history.

New Zealand Oral History Awards

Recognises excellence in oral history projects.

Regional Culture and Heritage Fund

Accepts applications from institutions for genuine fundraising shortfalls for qualifying capital projects at:

• Public museums
• Public galleries
• Iwi museums/whare taonga
• Heritage buildings or complexes housing significant collections
• Performing arts venues

Contact: Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Website:www.mch.govt.nz

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Community Road Safety Fund

Type: NZTA fund supporting road safety initiatives

The Community Road Safety Fund supports community-led projects that improve road safety outcomes and reduce deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads.

What they fund:

• Community road safety education programmes
• Behaviour change initiatives
• Road safety equipment and resources
• Projects targeting high-risk road users or areas

Application Dates:

• Opens: 9am, 14 October 2025
• Closes: 5pm, 2 December 2025

How to Apply: Complete online application form and provide supporting documentation via email (including budget and financial statements)

Website:Community Road Safety Fund | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Independent & Trust Funds

The Sargood Bequest

The Sargood Bequest makes grants to projects and activities across five categories with a focus on Access, Participation and Inspiration.

Categories:

• Children & Youth
• Cultural
• Sports & Outdoors
• Educational
• Environmental

Focus Areas:

• Access - enabling participation for those who might otherwise be excluded
• Participation - active involvement and engagement
• Inspiration - projects that inspire and motivate

Application: Check with Perpetual Guardian or Public Trust who may administer this trust

Perpetual Guardian Administered Trusts

Perpetual Guardian administers over $40 million in community funding annually through various charitable trusts. The following trusts grant in the Whanganui/Manawatū area:

The B A Lewis Charitable Trust

Purposes:

• Organisations supporting individuals with disabilities
• Health as it relates to babies and young children
• Jewish religious centres

The Strathlachlan Fund

Purpose: Supporting women who have had their means of livelihood or support reduced because of adverse circumstances

Website:www.perpetualguardian.co.nz/philanthropy/grant-seekers

Mazda Foundation

The Mazda Foundation supports a range of community and environmental initiatives across New Zealand.

Purposes:

• The natural environment
• Advancement of culture and education
• Assistance to young people through advancement of education and employment skills development
• Assistance in the arts

Website:Mazda Foundation

Rural Communities Trust

Purpose: "To provide financial assistance to groups, families and individuals in rural areas who due to their location may otherwise be disadvantaged."

The Trust specifically supports rural communities and addresses the unique challenges faced by people living outside urban centres.

Geographic Focus: Rural areas (check if Whanganui's rural districts are covered) Rural Communities Trust