Applications open for Oamaru Community Fund (New Zealand)

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund provides grants to community organisations in eligible areas of New Zealand for projects, events, and initiatives that strengthen communities, protect the environment, and promote sustainability. Grant funding generally ranges from NZD 200 to NZD 2,000, supporting activities that align with Mercury’s values of Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, and Sustainability.

About the Mercury Oamaru Community Fund

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund is a community grant programme that supports local organisations delivering projects that create positive social, environmental, and community outcomes.

The fund is designed to help organisations implement future-focused initiatives that improve community wellbeing, encourage environmental stewardship, and promote sustainable development. Funding is available for specific projects, events, and activities that demonstrate a clear connection with Mercury’s community priorities.

Applications are assessed by a Mercury evaluation panel, and funding may be approved in full or in part based on the quality and impact of each proposal.

Funding Information

The programme provides:

• Typical grant amount: NZD 200–NZD 2,000
• Funding may be awarded in full or partially.
• Funding supports approved future-focused community projects and activities.

Programme Objectives

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund aims to:

• Support community wellbeing.
• Strengthen local organisations.
• Encourage environmental protection.
• Promote sustainable development.
• Support projects that create positive community impact.
• Invest in initiatives that improve the future of local communities.

Priority Focus Areas

Projects should align with one or more of Mercury’s three core priorities.

Manaakitanga – Caring for Communities and People

Projects that:

• Support community wellbeing.
• Strengthen local communities.
• Improve quality of life.
• Promote inclusion and participation.
• Put people at the centre of decision-making.

Kaitiakitanga – Environmental Stewardship

Initiatives that:

• Protect natural environments.
• Encourage conservation.
• Improve biodiversity.
• Promote environmental responsibility.
• Support long-term environmental sustainability.

Sustainability

Projects focused on:

• Sustainable community development.
• Innovation.
• Education and learning.
• Resource efficiency.
• Long-term environmental and social benefits.
• Continuous improvement and resilience.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a community organisation.
• Be located within the eligible area specified in the application form.
• Apply for funding for a future project, initiative, or event.
• Demonstrate alignment with Mercury’s funding priorities.
• Use funding for eligible expenses incurred within New Zealand.

Items purchased overseas may be eligible only if they are unavailable within New Zealand.

Eligible Projects

Funding may support:

• Community events.
• Community improvement projects.
• Environmental initiatives.
• Educational activities.
• Sustainability projects.
• Local programmes that benefit communities.
• Other initiatives aligned with Mercury’s funding priorities.

Supporting Documentation Requirements

Depending on the funding request, applicants may need to provide additional documents.

General Running Costs

Organisations requesting funding for expenses such as:

• Electricity.
• Landline telephone.
• Council rates.
• Building insurance.

Must submit invoices covering the previous three months.

Salary Costs

Applications requesting support for an existing staff position must include:

• A signed employment contract.
• Position description.
• Relevant employment details.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The programme does not support:

• Individual applicants.
• Activities required under government-funded contracts.
• More than one application per organisation during a single funding round.
• Organisations exceeding the annual application limits.

Application Limits

Applicants should note the following:

• Only one application per community organisation is permitted in each funding round.
• Eligible organisations may receive up to two successful applications per calendar year.

Why This Fund Matters

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund helps strengthen local communities by supporting projects that improve wellbeing, encourage environmental responsibility, and promote sustainable development.

The programme enables community organisations to:

• Deliver valuable local services.
• Improve community facilities.
• Increase environmental awareness.
• Strengthen volunteer engagement.
• Support long-term community resilience.
• Create lasting positive impacts.

How to Apply

Review the Funding Guidelines

Carefully read the programme criteria, eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and application instructions before preparing your submission.

Develop Your Community Project

Design a project or initiative that clearly aligns with Mercury’s values of Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, or Sustainability and demonstrates meaningful community impact.

Prepare a Detailed Budget

Include:

• Total project costs.
• Requested funding amount.
• Planned expenditure.
• Any additional funding sources, if applicable.

Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare all required documentation, including:

• Organisational information.
• Project details.
• Three months of invoices if applying for eligible operating costs.
• Employment documentation if requesting salary support.

Submit Your Application

Complete the application form and submit all required documents before the funding deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the community need.
• Demonstrate measurable community benefits.
• Show alignment with Mercury’s funding priorities.
• Prepare a realistic project budget.
• Include all required supporting documentation.
• Explain the long-term sustainability of the project.
• Highlight community participation and partnerships.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid the following:

• Applying as an individual.
• Submitting more than one application during the same funding round.
• Requesting funding for ineligible activities.
• Omitting required invoices or employment documentation.
• Providing unclear project objectives.
• Failing to demonstrate community impact.
• Applying for activities already funded through government contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Mercury Oamaru Community Fund?

It is a community grant programme that supports projects and initiatives improving community wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and local development in eligible areas of New Zealand.

2. How much funding is available?

Most grants range from approximately NZD 200 to NZD 2,000, although Mercury may approve funding in full or in part.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible community organisations located within the designated application area may apply.

4. What types of projects receive funding?

Projects supporting community wellbeing, environmental protection, sustainability, education, community events, and local development are eligible if they align with Mercury’s priorities.

5. Can individuals apply?

No. The programme is only open to eligible community organisations.

6. How many applications can an organisation submit?

Each organisation may submit only one application per funding round and may receive up to two successful grants per calendar year.

7. What supporting documents may be required?

Depending on the funding request, applicants may need to provide invoices for eligible running costs, employment contracts, position descriptions, organisational information, and project documentation.

Conclusion

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund provides valuable financial support for community organisations working to improve the wellbeing of people, protect the environment, and promote sustainable development in New Zealand. With grants generally ranging from NZD 200 to NZD 2,000, the programme helps local organisations deliver meaningful projects that align with Mercury’s values of Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, and Sustainability, creating lasting benefits for communities and future generations.