September, October, December Grants Rounds

September Grants Round:

The September funding round saw Otago Community Trust allocate $507,123 allocated in grants throughout the region.

$16,793 was awarded to Orokonui Ecosanctuary to enhance its biosecurity. Critical risk mitigation efforts included 110 additional predator traps, helicopter surveys, and essential arborist services to protect the sanctuary's predator-proof fence.

In the arts and culture sector, the Southern Lakes Arts Festival Trust received $85,000 to support the Wānaka Festival of Colour 2025 and Aspiring Conversations 2026, promising world-class performances and thought-provoking discussions in the Upper Clutha region. The Taiari Wai River Festival was granted $5,000 to celebrate community, culture, and conservation in the Māniatoto region through music, performances, and family-friendly activities.

Several community development projects were also supported, including $15,000 for Clutha Valley Primary School's flying fox project and $25,000 for the Disability Information Service's Mobile Service to expand its reach across Otago.

Please find the full press release here.

October Grants Round:

Otago Community Trust allocated $747,956 in grants during its October funding round.

A highlight was the $200,000 grant to the Lawrence Chinese Camp Charitable Trust for restoring the historic Empire Hotel and Stables.

Youth development also received substantial support, with the Saddle Hill Foundation Trust receiving $35,000 for leadership programs and the Up-Cycles Charitable Trust securing $8,000 to launch a Bike Ambassador Programme in six Central Otago schools. Pacific Trust Otago was also awarded $25,000 for the fourth annual Moana Nui Festival.

Please find the full press release here.

December Grants Round:

Otago Community Trust awarded $1,500,633 in grants across the Otago region in December. These grants included significant infrastructure improvements like the $160,000 renovation of the Kaitangata Community Pool, which will upgrade facilities and increase swimming participation. In Dunedin, a $10,000 grant to Aukaha will fund a virtual reality driving simulator to provide safe skill development for learners, while $108,000 will transform the Waiora Campsite by expanding its accommodation to serve approximately 2,000 annual users.

The funding also supports numerous cultural and community projects throughout the region, such as the Janet Frame Eden Street Trust receiving $23,500 to develop a visitor centre in Ōamaru, and support for events like the Dunedin Summer Shakespeare, South Dunedin Street Festival, and Wild Dunedin Festival of Nature.

Additionally, $4,650 was provided to Pound Paws Rescue to support a dog desexing program, and Lawrence Area School received a $50,000 grant to convert asphalt courts into a multisport turf facility.

Please find the full press release here.