Tuesday, 31 March 2026
QLDC funding rounds open 1 April
Non-profits, charities, community groups, and individuals have until 30 April to apply for one of three major funding opportunities.
Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) latest community funding rounds open tomorrow, offering support for local groups and initiatives that strengthen our communities.
Non-profits, charities, community groups, and individuals have until 30 April to apply for one of three major funding opportunities designed to help make a positive impact across the district.
The three funding rounds are:
Community Fund 2026-2027
Events Fund 2026-2027
Heritage Incentive Grant 2026-2027
QLDC’s Community Investment Advisor Giovanni Stephens welcomes applications from across the district.
“QLDC’s community funding supports projects, events and operational work that strengthens wellbeing for our people and places. We’re keen to hear from volunteers and organisations that are making a positive impact locally,” said Mr Stephens.
About the funds
The Community Fund (Funding pool $180,000)
Supports not-for-profits and community groups working to strengthen local wellbeing across the district. Applicants can apply for operational funding – such as rent, utilities, or administrative support - or project funding, including materials, services, or wages for project-specific staff.
The Events Fund (Funding pool $250,000)
For groups looking to deliver vibrant, inclusive, sustainable events that provide benefits to the community. The fund supports a balanced mix of sporting and cultural events that advance district-wide goals.
The Heritage Incentive Grant (Funding pool $50,000)
Provides support for anyone looking to preserve or enhance Queenstown Lakes’ natural and built heritage. The grant can be used to cover consent fees, engage professional expertise, or help fund maintenance and conservation work for heritage places or natural assets.
Mr Stephens encouraged anyone interested to attend an upcoming online information session and training workshops.
“QLDC fund managers will be hosting a Community Funding Webinar on Thursday 9 April from 12.00 - 1.00pm. There are also opportunities to register for a free funding workshop held monthly through The Funding Series programme,” he said.
A recording of the webinar along with presentations from all fund managers will be provided on the QLDC Community Funding webpage following the session.
The Funding Series is proudly hosted by QLDC in partnership with huddl, Three Lakes Cultural Trust, Sport Central, and the Conservation Alliance. Held between March and June in Arrowtown, Queenstown and Wānaka, these workshops are designed to strengthen the capability of non-profit organisations and provide them with the tools needed for long-term financial sustainability. Registrations for the April and May sessions are open now on Humanitix and can be found along with the full schedule.
All information on funding criteria, how to apply and join the online webinar can be viewed at www.qldc.govt.nz/community-funding
Applications can be submitted between 1 and 30 April through QLDC’s funding platform at https://qldc.smartygrants.com.au.
Applications close for all three funds on Thursday, 30 April 2026 and will be reviewed in May with final decisions made by Full Council in June. Successful applicants will be notified in July.
ENDS|KUA MUTU.
Media contact
communications@qldc.govt.nz
TEL: 03 441 1802
FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri
The Waste Minimisation Community Fund also opens 1-30 April and supports initiatives that promote sustainable resource use and the reduction of waste. Projects should focus on reducing waste at source and/or recovering resources by diverting waste from landfill, with a preference for new initiatives that complement existing programmes, address gaps, or create new opportunities.
There are 15 formally recognised Community Associations across the district that actively represent and advocate for the needs and interests of their local communities. These groups are eligible to each receive an annual community grant of $5,000 for operational support and project seed funding. Community Associations who wish to apply for additional project funding can complete an application for the Community Fund 2026-2027.
Wellbeing outcomes and how they drive QLDC’s Strategic Framework.
Questions can be sent to the community funding team:
communityfunding@qldc.govt.nz