Request for Applications: Racing Safety Development Fund (New Zealand)

The Racing Safety Development Fund provides financial support to improve safety standards and racecourse infrastructure across New Zealand’s racing industry. The fund helps racing clubs undertake projects that protect riders, spectators, officials, and racing animals while enhancing the quality and safety of racing facilities.

About the Racing Safety Development Fund

The Racing Safety Development Fund is designed to improve safety across New Zealand’s racing industry by supporting infrastructure projects that create safer environments for people and animals involved in racing.

The program funds projects that strengthen racecourse facilities, reduce safety risks, improve animal welfare, and enhance the overall quality of racing venues.

Funding Objectives

The fund aims to:

Improve the safety of riders, jockeys, drivers, trainers, officials, volunteers, spectators, and other racecourse users.
Enhance the health, welfare, and safety of racing animals.
Upgrade racecourse infrastructure and safety facilities.
Support long-term improvements to New Zealand racing venues.
Encourage racing clubs to invest in high-quality safety initiatives.

Focus Areas

Projects may focus on:

Racecourse safety improvements
Rider safety
Spectator safety
Official and staff safety
Animal health and welfare
Safety infrastructure upgrades
Racecourse facility improvements
Risk reduction measures
Community racing infrastructure
Safety-related equipment and construction

Grant Amount

The fund provides:

Annual Funding Pool: $1 million
Minimum Grant: $7,500
Maximum Grant: $50,000
Funding covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Project Cost Requirements

Projects requesting $7,500 must have a minimum total project cost of $15,000.
Projects requesting $50,000 must have a minimum total project cost of $100,000.
Applicants must contribute the remaining project costs from other funding sources.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Thoroughbred racing clubs registered with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
Harness racing clubs registered with Harness Racing New Zealand
Greyhound racing clubs registered with the New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association
Incorporated regional groups representing racing clubs
New Zealand racing code bodies applying on behalf of affiliated clubs

Applicants must also:

Be an incorporated society.
Be registered for GST.
Meet the Department of Internal Affairs’ requirements for community organisations receiving grants.

Eligible Projects

Projects should:

Improve safety at racecourses.
Improve facilities used during racing events.
Enhance the safety of both people and racing animals.
Be well planned and professionally managed.
Demonstrate clear benefits to racecourse infrastructure.
Show that the applicant has the capacity to complete the project successfully.

Required Application Information

Applicants should prepare:

Project description
Project objectives
Infrastructure plans
Project timeline
Detailed budget
Cost estimates and supplier quotes
Information on organisational capacity
Evidence of project management capability
Explanation of how the project improves racecourse safety

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit a strong application:

Confirm that your organisation meets all eligibility requirements.
Develop a detailed safety improvement project.
Prepare project plans, budgets, and supporting quotations.
Demonstrate your organisation’s ability to deliver the project.
Explain how the project improves racecourse safety and infrastructure.
Submit the completed application with all required documentation before the deadline.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are expected to be assessed based on:

Contribution to racecourse safety
Benefits for people and animals
Project planning and design
Financial viability
Organisational capability
Infrastructure improvement outcomes
Value for money
Readiness for implementation

Why This Fund Matters

The Racing Safety Development Fund plays an important role in improving safety standards throughout New Zealand’s racing industry.

The fund helps racing organisations:

Reduce accidents and injuries.
Improve animal welfare.
Upgrade ageing racecourse infrastructure.
Enhance public confidence in racing.
Create safer environments for participants and spectators.
Support sustainable development of racing facilities.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of success:

Clearly demonstrate the safety benefits of your project.
Include accurate project budgets and professional quotations.
Show that your organisation can fund its share of project costs.
Provide realistic implementation timelines.
Explain how the project supports long-term racecourse improvements.
Ensure all supporting documents are complete.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

Applying without incorporated status or GST registration.
Requesting funding for completed projects.
Applying for routine operational expenses.
Submitting incomplete budgets or missing quotations.
Failing to explain the safety impact of the project.
Requesting funding for projects unrelated to racecourse safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Racing Safety Development Fund?

Eligible applicants include registered thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing clubs, incorporated regional racing groups, and New Zealand racing code bodies applying on behalf of affiliated clubs.

How much funding is available?

The fund provides $1 million annually, with grants ranging from $7,500 to $50,000.

How much of the project cost will the fund cover?

The fund covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects that improve racecourse safety, animal welfare, and safety-related infrastructure are eligible.

Can individuals apply?

No. Only eligible racing organisations and approved racing bodies may apply.

What documents are required?

Applicants should submit project plans, budgets, quotations, project descriptions, and information demonstrating organisational capacity and project management capability.

What projects are not eligible?

The fund does not support:

Individuals
Organisations not registered with a New Zealand racing code body
Fundraising activities
Ongoing operational services
Completed projects
Debt repayment
Past expenses
Projects that do not directly improve racecourse safety or facilities

Conclusion

The Racing Safety Development Fund provides valuable financial assistance to racing organisations seeking to improve safety standards across New Zealand racecourses. By offering grants of up to $50,000 and supporting up to 50% of project costs, the program enables racing clubs to invest in safer facilities, protect both people and animals, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of New Zealand’s racing industry.