Grants Rounds - June, July & August

June Grants Round:

Otago Community Trust announced a substantial grants distribution of $1,226,281 for its June funding round, supporting various community initiatives across the Otago region.

A significant portion of the funding, $115,000, was allocated to the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust for the Vanished World Redevelopment Project. This project aims to transform the Vanished World Centre in Duntroon into an educational hub within the UNESCO Global Geopark, focusing on the region's geological heritage and cultural significance. Other notable grants included $1,000 to Pasifika Central Otago for the Kiribati Community's annual Independence Celebration, and $5,000 to the Blessed Box initiative in the Clutha District, which provides support to new mothers.

The Trust has also made a substantial investment in sports and recreation, allocating $994,050 to various sports organisations as part of its annual Regional Sports round. This funding supports a diverse range of sports including netball, rugby, snow sports, volleyball, table tennis, and athletics. Special events such as the NZ Special Olympics Lower South Island Snow Sports 2024 and the Merino Muster cross-country skiing event also received grants.

Please find the full press release here.

July Grants Round:

Otago Community Trust allocated $555,653 in grants for its July funding round. Initiatives focused on community well-being, local heritage preservation, and environmental conservation.

A significant portion of the funding, $100,000, went to the Alexandra Miners Village & Riverside Park Trust for developing the Alexandra Riverside Park. This project aims to revitalise the downtown CBD by creating a multi-purpose community space. Save the Otago Peninsula (STOP) received $20,000 for their native plant revegetation project, which will enhance biodiversity and mitigate climate change in the Smiths Creek Catchment.

Ōwaka Going Forward was granted $30,000 to construct a cycling and walking trail between Ōwaka and Pounawea, promoting community connectivity.

Please find the full press release here.

August Grants Round:

Otago Community Trust's August Grants Round allocated $432,972 to 29 community groups, with a strong focus on events and festivals across the region. Notable recipients include Otago Polyfest, Wānaka's Stars in Your Eyes, Alexandra's Blossom Festival, and Central Otago's WoolOn events.

Otago Polyfest, a celebration of Māori and Pacific cultures, received $50,000 to support its multi-day event in September. The festival showcases talents from various districts and continues to grow in popularity. Wānaka's Stars In Your Eyes show, granted $5,000, will use its proceeds to support young musicians in the community.

WoolOn, an annual celebration of wool in fashion and design, received $10,000 to expand its offerings, including a Community Education day. The Alexandra Blossom Festival, marking its 67th year, was granted $6,000 to continue its tradition of welcoming spring and fostering community spirit.

Other grants were awarded to various cultural and artistic initiatives, including theater performances, a hip-hop event, and a film festival in Ōtepoti/Dunedin.

Please find the full press release here.