Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Ashburton District School Holiday Programme Grant provides funding for non-profit organisations to deliver engaging and enriching activities for children aged 5–14 during school holidays. Grants of up to $1,000 are available, covering up to 50% of programme costs, with remaining contributions provided by the applicant. Eligible local organisations can apply to support child development and wellbeing through innovative holiday programmes.
About the Grant
The School Holiday Programme Grant aims to assist non-profit organisations in delivering enriching and engaging activities for children and young people in Ashburton District during school holidays.
The Council recognises that children benefit from activities that are not typically available during school terms, and this grant supports programmes that:
-
Encourage learning, creativity, and skill development
-
Promote wellbeing and social engagement
-
Provide safe, structured, and accessible activities during school breaks
Funding Details
-
Maximum grant amount: $1,000 per programme
-
Grant cap: 50% of the total programme cost
-
Applicant contribution: Required to cover the remaining 50%, either financially or in-kind
Applicants must submit a completed School Holiday Programme Application form with a clear budget and programme plan. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
-
Non-profit organisations based in Ashburton District
-
National organisations applying through a local branch
Eligible programmes must:
-
Cater to children aged 5–14 years
-
Take place within Ashburton District, between the Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers
-
Be non-profit initiatives delivered by community groups or organisations
Ineligible programmes:
-
Programmes outside the geographic boundaries
-
Programmes delivered by for-profit organisations
-
Applications missing required information
How to Apply
-
Confirm eligibility: Ensure your organisation and programme meet all criteria
-
Complete application: Use the official School Holiday Programme Application form
-
Prepare budget: Clearly outline costs, including financial or in-kind contributions
-
Submit application: Only fully completed applications will be considered
-
Await decision: Successful applicants will receive funding based on programme relevance, impact, and feasibility
Tips for Applicants
-
Clearly describe activities and learning outcomes for children
-
Include a detailed budget with both grant and applicant contributions
-
Demonstrate how the programme enhances child wellbeing and engagement
-
Ensure all requested information is included to avoid automatic exclusion
FAQs – School Holiday Programme Grant
1. Who can apply for the grant?
Non-profit organisations based in Ashburton District, including local branches of national organisations.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $1,000, covering a maximum of 50% of the programme cost.
3. What ages must the programme cater to?
Children aged 5–14 years.
4. Where must the programme take place?
Within the Ashburton District, specifically between the Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers.
5. Can for-profit organisations apply?
No, the programme is only open to non-profit organisations.
6. Are in-kind contributions accepted?
Yes, the applicant’s 50% contribution can be financial or in-kind.
7. What happens if the application is incomplete?
Incomplete applications that fail to provide all requested information will not be assessed.
Conclusion
The Ashburton District School Holiday Programme Grant provides vital support to non-profit organisations delivering fun, educational, and enriching activities for children during school holidays. By funding up to 50% of programme costs, the grant enables local organisations to enhance child development, wellbeing, and engagement, ensuring children in Ashburton District enjoy meaningful and accessible holiday experiences.
For more information, visit Ashburton District Council.
