Grants & Funding
If you or an organisation you are involved in is looking for funding from the Council, please read through the various funding opportunities.
Gore District Council Tertiary Education Scholarships
We’re proud to support local students by offering two scholarships valued at $1,000 to assist those beginning tertiary study or trade training. This initiative is designed to help young people in our community take their next step with confidence.
Studies should be in a council-relevant area and there is the opportunity for up to 10 weeks paid work experience with the Council during holiday breaks.
The scholarships will be available to young people who
- are dedicated to studying,
- have a clear vision of the goals they want to achieve, and
- a passion for making a difference.
The scholarships are open to school leavers aged 19 years or under. They must be going on to study at a tertiary level.
Applications are open. Applications close 5pm Monday 19 October.
Pioneer Women's Memorial Trust Scholarships
We look after these scholarships for the Trust. Each year the Trust offers three educational bursaries, valued at $1000 each, to students who are contemplating tertiary education or a trade apprenticeship.
They are available to pupils who live in the catchment area and are attending the schools listed below:
- Māruawai College,
- St Peter's College,
- Blue Mountain College, and
- Menzies College.
To learn more about the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Trust and its origins, please see the history and story outlined in the Restroom Saga.
Applications close 27 October 2026.
Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund - Summer Round 2026
Applications are now open for the latest round of funding from the Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund. This fund is designed to subsidise travel for teams taking part in local winter sport competitions and is open to rural sports clubs and school teams within the Gore District. Those taking part in the sports must be aged between 5 and 19 years. The fund is used as a contribution to team travel costs to local sports competitions out of school time, and not regional or national events.
Applications for the current funding round are open until Friday 09 October 2026.
Coster Fund
This fund was created from a bequest by a Mataura resident Claude Coster. Under the funding guidelines the money has to be spent in Mataura on projects that will benefit its people. Only not-for-profit organisations can apply and the maximum grant available is for 50 per cent of a project's total cost.
Applications can be submitted at any time. If you have a project in mind that is seeking funding, complete the application form and submit to: [email protected]
Rural Special Fund
This fund was established from money paid to the Council by the Southland County Council as a result of local government amalgamation in 1989. It was used for grants and loans, as well as subsidising rural rates, for a number of years before being set aside to rebuild. There are no plans in the foreseeable future to resume dispensing money from this fund.
Gore Health Scholarship 2026
Investing in the future of healthcare in our community
Gore Health is proud to support the next generation of health professionals by offering a $2,500 scholarship to assist a tertiary student pursuing a career in medicine or an associated health field.
The scholarship is intended to support a student who is passionate about their chosen health profession and committed to contributing to the future of healthcare in our community.
If you are planning to study medicine or an associated health field at tertiary level, we encourage you to apply.
Applications:
Complete the application form available or by clicking this handy link: Gore Health Scholarship | Gore Health
Dr Victor Harris Memorial Awards 2026
$1,000 BURSARY TO ONE OR MORE ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Supporting future health professionals in the Gore District.
The Dr Victor Harris Memorial Awards provide a $1,000 bursary for students intending to pursue tertiary study in medicine or an associated health field, including nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, physiotherapy, midwifery and more.
Who can apply?
Students attending Blue Mountain College, Māruawai College, Menzies College or St Peter’s College in 2026, or 2025 students completing a gap year.
Applications close: Friday, 30 October 2026
Interviews: Thursday, 5 November 2026
Apply now and take the next step towards your future in health.
Complete the application form available to apply.
Please email your application forms to: [email protected]
Community Waste Minimisation Fund
Applications are closed
This fund is administered by WasteNet on behalf of Gore District Council, Invercargill City Council & Southland District Council and aims to support those in Southland who are helping our region move towards zero waste.
For questions or more information please email WasteNet [email protected]
Creative Communities Scheme
Applications are open for projects taking place between August and January next year.
In partnership with Creative New Zealand, we aim to promote, support and increase participation in community arts and cultural activities within the Gore District.
Any group, organisation or individual that meets the grant criteria can apply. For example, performances by community choirs, hip-hop groups, theatre companies, or art projects that bring together groups from a range of different communities and enables young people (under 18 years) to engage with and participate in the arts.
Applications close on Friday 25 September.
