Community Trust of Southland

Who can apply?

  • An incorporated society or an incorporated charitable trust that are a legal entity and operating in Southland.
  • A company with charitable purposes that is registered with Charities Services.
  • Entities established under the Local Government Act 2002, Maori Trust Boards Act 1955 or Education Act 1989.

Funding criteria

This fund provides grants for projects that focus on one of their four key pillars.  Most relevant to heritage buildings is the “Art, Heritage & Culture” pillar, where one of the key priorities is “celebrating and preserving the region’s significant/unique heritage with a focus on support for Heritage New Zealand Category 1 buildings and telling the South’s unique stories”.

They offer General Grants under $100,000 and, subject to available funding, may offer Major Grants (over $100,000) from time to time:

How and when to apply

The Trust recommends that applicants call them to discuss their eligibility and project before applying.

Applications are made online and you need to register before making an application. You can register and make an online application HERE

General Grants: Applications are accepted anytime. For requests of $10,000 and under decisions are usually made within 6 weeks of receiving your application.  Requests of up to $100,000 involve a more detailed process and decisions are usually made within 8 weeks of receiving your application.

Major Grants ($100,000 and over): Applications are only accepted when the Trust is holding a major grants round. There is a two-stage process.  Expressions of interest are submitted first, followed by full applications by invitation only.  Please refer to their website HERE for upcoming funding round dates.

If you have any questions please contact the Grants Manager, Dianne Williams, at dianne@communitytrustsouth.nz or 0800 500 185.