We are excited to hear from you. Before applying, please take the time to read the following.
Key factors we consider when assessing applications:
- Location: You’ll need to live in the region covered by our network, encompassing South Canterbury—from the Rangitata River in the north to the Waitaki River in the south, and from the East Coast to Mount Cook in the west. You can serve as ambassadors for South Canterbury, showcasing achievements and contributions outside our local area (see map below).
- Exclusions: We consider anything and almost everything if it’s good for you and our region! There are a few exclusions: sports teams, school activities, tuition expenses, or activities designed to generate income for the recipient.
- Timing: Applications are accepted biannually from March 01 to April 30 and September 01 to October 31. Reviews take place in early May and November, with all recipients being notified of our decisions following the evaluation. We receive numerous personal grant applications, and though we're enthusiastic about supporting everyone, the volume of requests surpasses our capacity.
- All recipients are required to share their story as we need to ensure transparency and effective use of community funds. This also allows us to gather information for reporting and spreading your good news stories.
- How much: Personal grants within New Zealand are typically limited to a maximum of $500 per individual. For endeavours with an international scope, the grant cap extends to $1,000. Successful applicants may not receive the full requested amount.
Celebrating success
All successful applicants are invited to our annual Sponsorship Awards evening in March, where we gather to celebrate and honour everyone dedicated to the betterment of our communities. This is a highlight of the year for our people and the recipients.
