Community Trust South launches Compete Fund in New Zealand

The Community Trust South Compete Fund provides up to $6,000 in funding for non-profit sports, arts, and cultural groups competing or hosting events at premier, national, or international levels across Southland and surrounding regions. With an annual pool of $150,000, the fund helps reduce participation and event-hosting costs while strengthening regional excellence and visibility.

The Community Trust South Compete Fund supports premier and elite sports, arts, and cultural groups that are either competing at high levels or hosting significant events. The programme is designed to ensure regional talent can access national and international opportunities while attracting high-quality events to Southland, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Tapanui, and Heriot.

Purpose of the Compete Fund

The fund exists to strengthen regional excellence by supporting high-performance participation and major events that raise the profile of the region. It reduces financial barriers for teams and organisers while contributing to economic, cultural, and social benefits for local communities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a non-profit organisation with legal status

• Be an incorporated society, charitable trust, company with charitable purposes, or an organisation formed under relevant legislation

• Be based in or delivering activities within Southland, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Tapanui, or Heriot

• Be involved in premier or elite-level sport, arts, or cultural activity

What Activities Are Funded?

The Compete Fund supports two main activity types.

1. High-Level Competition Participation

Funding is available for premier teams and groups competing at:

• National level

• Trans-Tasman level

• International level
  Eligible costs include:

• Travel and transport

• Accommodation

• Food and meals

• Competition or entry fees

Grants typically cover 15–20% of total costs, up to a maximum of $6,000.

2. Hosting Premier Events

The fund also supports organisations hosting significant events such as:

• South Island-wide events

• National championships

• International competitions or cultural events
  Funding helps cover essential event delivery costs and supports events that bring economic, cultural, and social value to the region.

Funding Details at a Glance

• Annual funding pool: $150,000

• Maximum grant per application: $6,000

• Typical coverage: 15–20% of total eligible costs

• Funding type: Contestable grant

Why This Fund Matters

• Enables regional teams and groups to compete on national and global stages

• Attracts high-profile events that boost tourism and community engagement

• Strengthens Southland’s reputation for sporting and cultural excellence

• Supports sustainable participation without placing full financial burden on organisations

How the Compete Fund Works

1. Organisation confirms eligibility and legal status.

2. Applicant identifies a qualifying competition or event at a premier level.

3. Eligible costs and total budget are prepared.

4. Application is submitted to Community Trust South for assessment.

5. Funding decisions are made based on impact, scale, and regional benefit.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the level and significance of the competition or event.

• Demonstrate regional benefit, including visibility, participation, or economic impact.

• Provide a realistic and transparent budget showing how the grant fits within total costs.

• Highlight the organisation’s track record and capability to deliver successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of organisations are eligible?
Only non-profit organisations with formal legal status are eligible.

Can individual athletes or artists apply?
No, applications must be submitted by eligible organisations, teams, or event organisers.

Is the fund for grassroots or community-level activities?
No, the Compete Fund is specifically for premier and elite-level participation or events.

How much funding can we receive?
Up to $6,000, usually covering 15–20% of eligible expenses.

What costs are eligible?
Travel, accommodation, food, transport, and entry or competition fees, as well as key event delivery costs.

Does the fund support event hosting as well as participation?
Yes, both competing at high levels and hosting premier events are supported.

Is funding guaranteed if eligibility criteria are met?
No, the fund is competitive and assessed based on impact, quality, and regional benefit.

Conclusion

The Community Trust South Compete Fund plays a vital role in supporting elite sports, arts, and cultural organisations across the region. By reducing financial barriers to high-level competition and event hosting, the fund helps local talent shine on national and international stages while delivering lasting benefits to Southland and its communities.