2025/26 Funding Round
Opens 1 July 2025
Clutha Foundation provides grants to charitable organisations delivering projects that strengthen our communities. This year’s priorities are “Health & Wellbeing”.
In 2025, contestable funding is available from the General Fund, Milton Bruce Community Fund, Tuapeka Lawrence Community Fund, Owaka & Districts Community Fund, and as specified by individual donors who have established named endowment funds with Clutha Foundation.
This year’s funding priority is Health and Wellbeing, though projects in the following focus areas are also considered.
Children and youth
Education
Environment
Aged support
Art and culture
Recreation and sport
When preparing your application for funding please note that we do not fund operational costs.
WHEN CAN YOU APPLY?
Clutha Foundation has one general funding round per year.
Applications open 1 July 2025
Applications close 15 August 2025
Decision by 14 November 2025
WHO CAN APPLY?
To apply for funding from Clutha Foundation's general funding round you must be:
A registered charity or not for profit organisation,
Operating within the Clutha District
Working for the benefit of people, communities, or the environment
The general funding round does not fund:
Core operational costs
Applications received from individuals
Activities outside the Clutha District
Retrospective applications
We do not own or fully fund projects.
How do I apply for a Clutha Foundation grant?
All applications are submitted through our online Funding Portal.
Register/Login
The first time you apply for funding you need to create an account.
On the login screen click Not a Member?
Fill out your first name, last name, and email address
Click the Sign Up button
Check your email and click the link in the email to set your password
Every time you login you will need the email you used to sign up and password.
What supporting information do I need?
When applying we need to know a few details about your organisation and what you are requesting funding for. We recommend gathering this information before beginning your application:
Charities Services or Incorporated Society Number (if applicable)
GST Number (if applicable)
verified bank account details (deposit slip or bank statement)
the organisation's most recent end of year accounts
project budget
Before starting the online application process it is important to carefully read the application form and gather the information you need. You can save the application by putting in placeholder data, and returning later. Applications cannot be changed once you submit your application.
How are grant recipients selected?
Our Grants Committee carefully reviews each grant application, taking into account the project and its potential impact. Following this review, the Committee makes a recommendation to the Board of Trustees. The Board reviews the recommendations and makes a final decision. Once decisions are finalised we notify applicants on the outcome of their application.
Applications are allocated to funds where they best fit the criteria. Annual distributions are made in line with the the stated wishes of each named endowment fund or, in the case of the General Fund, the needs of the community.
We follow robust Granting Procedures when making grant decisions. You can view them here:
What are the conditions of receiving a grant?
Recognise Clutha Foundation and any Donor Fund(s) in your external communications (ie: newsletters, social media, and press releases)
Provide updates and photos of funded projects throughout the year for marketing purposes
Within one year of fund disbursement, complete an accountability report showing the impact of the grant
Verify the funds have been deposited into your bank account
Provide evidence the funds have been used for the stated purpose (invoices, receipts, etc)
Return any funds not used for the stated purpose to Clutha Foundation
I'm an individual, how do I apply for a scholarship?
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Clutha Foundation offers multiple scholarships throughout the year. See our Apply for Scholarships page for more information.
BUILDING A LONG-TERM FUNDING STREAM
We understand that healthy, vibrant communities require long-term, sustainable support. That's why we invest and grow the gifts we receive, so they can create positive change in our district. Forever.
