Resources and support - Whanganui Community Foundation

Who can apply

We fund community organisations that are making a real difference in the Rangītīkei, Waimarino and Whanganui areas. If your mahi is rooted in this region and focused on the wellbeing of its people, we’d love to hear from you.

Read our Grants policy here

Who Is Not Eligible

Individuals
Commercial or for-profit organisations (unless a social enterprise with clear community benefit)
Intermediary organisations applying on behalf of others who could apply directly
National organisations, unless funding is clearly for a purpose specific to our region
Retrospective costs, including completed projects, events, or existing debt
Travel outside the Foundation’s region, including overseas travel
Conference attendance, accommodation, affiliation or membership fees
Prizes, trophies, or awards that provide more than nominal financial benefit

Clothing, uniforms, equipment or assets that will not remain the property of the applicant organisation
Vehicles for a single purpose (multi-use vehicles may be considered where a collaborative approach is demonstrated)
Endowments or venture capital
Alcohol and similar substances
Industry, commercial or professional network groups, and corporate social clubs
Research, including individual projects, large-scale research programmes, feasibility studies for capital projects, and health research (organisational research with clear community benefit may be considered)

Other funding sources

We’re one part of a wider funding landscape. Organisations in the Whanganui, Rangītīkei and Waimarino areas may also be eligible for support from a range of local, regional and national funders. Priorities and eligibility change, so always check directly with each funder before applying.

Local and regional funders

Four Regions Trust – funds within the former Wanganui Rangitikei Electric Power Board area, including Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Waverley, Waitōtara and Waimarino, excluding Ōhakune. Formerly known as the Powerco Wanganui Trust.

JBS Dudding Trust – supports organisations operating in or providing services within the Rangitīkei District.

Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui – Te Mana o te Awa / Te Mana o te Iwi grants – supports kaupapa aligned with Te Rautaki o Te Whawhaki and the wellbeing of Te Awa Tupua and Whanganui Iwi.

Whanganui District Council – administers a range of community funding opportunities.

Rangitīkei District Council – provides council and government-backed funding schemes for community initiatives in the district.

Ruapehu District Council – provides local grants support and maintains a grants portal for community groups.

Horizons Regional Council – offers grants and sponsorships, particularly for environmental, freshwater, biodiversity and climate-related projects.

National trusts and foundations

TG Macarthy Trust – funds education, health and wellbeing initiatives in the lower North Island, with a strong equity focus.

J R McKenzie Trust – supports work that advances equity and contributes to a socially just and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Tindall Foundation – distributes smaller local grants through approved Local Donation Managers in family and environment focus areas, as well as making some direct regional and national donations.

Catalytic Foundation – a Tindall Foundation Local Donation Manager in Whanganui and other regions, supporting small community charities and hardship-related work.

Harcourts Foundation – supports community-based organisations and projects with broad community benefit.

ANZ Staff Foundation – open to registered New Zealand charities only.

Mazda Foundation – supports a broad range of charitable causes across New Zealand, including environment, culture, education and community initiatives.

Sargood Bequest – makes grants in the Children & Youth, Cultural, Sports & Outdoors, Educational and Environmental categories.

Rural Communities Trust – provides financial assistance to groups, families and individuals in small rural areas who may otherwise be disadvantaged by location.

Transpower CommunityCare Fund – supports communities affected by Transpower overhead lines, substations and projects.

Arts, culture, heritage and specialist funding

Creative New Zealand – offers a range of funding and support for early-career artists, established practitioners, groups and organisations.

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage – administers a range of heritage and commemorative funds, including the Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund, New Zealand History Research Trust, New Zealand Oral History Awards, and the Regional Culture and Heritage Fund.

Te Pū Harakeke / Māra Kai support through Te Puni Kōkiri – supports community-led māra kai and related Māori community initiatives.

Office for Seniors – Age-friendly Fund – supports councils and communities to develop age-friendly plans and initiatives. This appears to be the current presentation of what was previously often referred to as Community Connects.

Public Trust and Perpetual Guardian administered trusts

Public Trust and Perpetual Guardian administer a number of charitable trusts that may be relevant to applicants in this region. Availability and eligibility vary by trust and by year, so it is worth checking current opening dates and criteria directly.
Relevant examples include:

Earle Creativity and Development Trust – supports projects benefiting the Manawatū and Rangitīkei region; categories alternate by year.

Frozen Funds Charitable Trust – supports projects run by, and for, people who use mental health or intellectual disability services.

The Strathlachlan Fund – supports vulnerable women.

Gaming and lottery funding

Pub Charity – grants from gaming-machine proceeds, generally with a local benefit focus.

Grassroots Trust Central – funds amateur sport, education and charitable community initiatives.

The Lion Foundation – national gaming trust with venue-based grant distribution. Applicants should confirm current local venue coverage before applying.

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) – major focus on amateur sport, with additional support for charities.

TAB NZ gaming grants – supports sport in New Zealand, including gaming grants to amateur sports clubs.
Lottery and government-administered community funds include:

Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS)

Lottery Community

Oranga Marae

Local trusts sometimes approached directly

Some smaller local trusts may still be relevant, but contact details and processes appear less visible online and should be confirmed directly before publication.

Margaret Watt Children’s Trust – continues to support young people aged 6–20 in their “training for life”, but publicly visible contact details appear to vary across sources.

St Laurence’s Social Service Trust Board – remains a registered charity supporting people in need, but the current contact details on the Charities Register differ from the ones in the draft text.

This list is provided as a general guide only. Inclusion does not guarantee eligibility or funding availability. Applicants should confirm current priorities, deadlines, geographic coverage and application requirements directly with each funder before applying.