Local and National Funders
Below is a list of funders in the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Area who might be able to contribute to your cause. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list but can help as a starting point.
Central Otago District Council
Supports a number of initiatives each year through community grants. The grant funds are allocated to initiatives that meet identified community needs and strengthen Central Otago communities.
codc.govt.nz/services/funding-grants
Central Lakes Trust
Central Lakes Trust provides funding to charitable causes in the Central Lakes region. Their funding focuses on projects and programmes that support lifelong learning, community wellbeing, community recreation, arts and culture, and protect and enhance our environment and heritage.
clt.net.nz
Community Trust South
Fund people and ideas that benefit communities in Southland, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Tapanui and Heriot areas.
communitytrustsouth.nz
Creative New Zealand
Supports projects and initiatives in the arts and creative sectors
creativenz.govt.nz/funding-and-support
Department of Internal Affairs
Hāpai Hapori Community Operations offer a range of funding streams, including Lottery, Crown and Trust grants. Some of the grants are are open at all times, while others are offered at set dates. Make sure to check out their funding calendar.
communitymatters.govt.nz
Family Trusts
There are local family trusts that might be able to help fund your organisation, see a list here.
Impact 100 Wakatipu
Impact100 Wakatipu awards grants to nonprofits in our community in the focus areas of Arts & Culture, Education, Family, Health & Wellness, and Environment. Applicants may apply for grant funding of at least $100,000 in a focus area that supports their mission, programs, or services.
impact100wakatipu.org/grants
Otago Community Trust
Otago Community Trust provides grants to not-for-profit community groups and projects that make a positive contribution to Otago Communities.
oct.org.nz
Perpetual Guardian
Distributes over $40 million of community funding and grants on behalf of their clients and generous donors each year.
perpetualguardian.co.nz/philanthropy/grant-seekers/
Queenstown Lakes District Council
Queenstown Lakes District Council provide or administer a range of funding opportunities to help support local projects and events to promote community wellbeing.
qldc.govt.nz
Sport Otago
Sport Otago manages the Sport New Zealand Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund for the Otago region. The fund exists to activate our tamariki (children) and rangatahi (teens) through sport, active recreation and play. Sport Otago also manage the Sporting Chance fund that provides financial assistance to children from disadvantaged circumstances to help them take part in sports.
sportotago.co.nz/funding
Gaming Trusts
Gaming trusts in New Zealand are non-profit organisations that are established to distribute funds raised through gambling activities (like gaming machines) to community projects, charities, and other public benefit purposes. The gambling proceeds fund a range of community initiatives, including sports clubs, education, health services, and more. In general, funds will be distributed in the area in which they are generated so it is important to know which trusts operate in your area. Each trust has its own set of guidelines and focus areas for funding.
The Gaming Trusts that operate in our area are:
Aotearoa Gaming Trust
Aotearoa Gaming Trust are a charitable gaming trust funding community organisations throughout New Zealand.
agt.nz
Grassroots Trust
Grassroots Trust provides local funding to local communities. Currently, they have gaming partner venues in Wanaka.
grassrootstrust.co.nz
Lion Foundation
The Lion Foundation is one of New Zealand’s oldest Charitable Trusts and they support thousands of good causes all around New Zealand.
lionfoundation.nz/about-us/
NZCT
Established in 1998, NZCT is one of New Zealand's largest gaming trusts with 13% of market share. They make contributions to local communities, particularly in the area of amateur sport and active participation. They also support other important causes, including rescue and lifesaving services, community groups, education and culture.
nzct.org.nz/grants/
Pub Charity
Pub Charity Limited distributes grants to worthy community organisations all over New Zealand.
pubcharitylimited.org.nz
SkyCity Community Trust
SkyCity Community Trust supports services and programmes that focus on the wellbeing and resilience of Queenstown Lakes communities and rangatahi.
skycityqueenstown.co.nz
Below is a helpful list of venues and gaming trusts for our local area:
| Venue | Location | Gaming Trust | Council Area |
| Criterion Hotel | Alexandra | Pub Charity | CODC |
| Stadium Hotel | Alexandra | Aotearoa Gaming Trust | CODC |
| Victoria Arms | Cromwell | Aotearoa Gaming Trust | CODC |
| The Gate | Cromwell | NZ Community Trust | CODC |
| Cromwell Brew House | Cromwell | Pub Charity | CODC |
| Frankton Arms Tavern | Queenstown | Aotearoa Gaming Trust | QLDC |
| Pub on Wharf | Queenstown | NZ Community Trust | QLDC |
| SkyCity Queenstown Casino | Queenstown | SkyCity COmmunity Trust | QLDC |
| New Orleans | Arrowtown | NZ Community Trust | QLDC |
| Water Bar | Wanaka | Grassroots Trust | QLDC |
| Bullock Bar | Wanaka | Lion Foundation | QLDC |
| Ranfurly Hotel | Ranfurly | Aotearoa Gaming Trust | CODC |
| Grand Tavern | Roxburgh | NZ Community Trust | CODC |
You can view the contact details of the local funders and gaming trusts here.
Generosity
Generosity is an online resource providing information about funding plus a comprehensive list of funders. Their database is broken down into three areas – GiveUS, GivME and GivER. You usually need a paid subscription, but you can access Generosity for free via the Queenstown Lakes District Libraries.
Funding Guides
To help you with your funding applications we have created some tips to consider before you apply for funding, check them out here.
The Centre for Social Impact have created a guide to help non profits apply for funding which includes an overview of the types of funders in Aotearoa, helpful tips and a funding checklist that you can view here.
You can also view a workbook to see if you are ready for funding here
Funding Clinics
Funding Clinics are held across Central Otago throughout the year which gives you an opportunity to discuss your project and meet the Grants Teams from a number of funders. See the funding clinic dates and locations for 2025 here.
Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorship
Looking for corporate sponsorship? You can read our tips here. SportNZ also have a great document on sponsorship you can access here.
Other ways to generate income
Some other income streams to consider are membership, sponsorship, donations, fundraising activities, contracts and social enterprise. Leafcutter Business Support has a sustainable funding guide you can check out here.
There are online portals to help you receive online donations and crowdfunding such as Give a Little, Boosted and Raisely
