Grants & Funding
If you or an organisation you are involved in is looking for funding from the Council, please read our Community Grants Policy. Here is the link.
Rural Halls and Domains Scheme
Applications are now open.
For many rural communities their hall and domain are a focal point - a venue for events that bind and strengthen the community.
We have funding available via our Rural Halls and Domains Grant Scheme to help with any capital projects and significant work associated with ensuring the long-term future of these important facilities. Everyday running costs are not eligible for the scheme.
Creative Communities Scheme
Applications are now closed.
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 to engage with, and participate in the arts.
Community Grants Fund
This fund provides local organisations assistance to deliver community initiatives. Providing grants is an important part of our partnership with residents to build a sense of pride and capacity in the Gore District.
Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund
Applications are now closed.
This fund is designed to subsidise travel for junior teams taking part in local sport competitions. It is open to rural sports clubs and school teams in the Gore District.
Those taking part in the sports must be aged between five years and 19 years. The fund is for travel to local sports competition out of school time, and not regional or national events.
Pioneer Women's Memorial Trust Scholarships
Applications are closed
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:
- Gore High School,
- St Peter's College,
- Blue Mountain College, and
- Menzies College.
Gore District Council Tertiary Education Scholarships
Applications have now closed.
Each year the Council offers two tertiary education scholarships, valued at $1,000 each. The scholarships are an initiative of the Gore District Youth Council and have been set up for young people from the Gore District who are commencing tertiary study.
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.
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 for funding will be publicly notified.
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.
