Apply for Mercury Oamaru Community Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 31-Jul-2026

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund supports community organisations in Oamaru by providing grants for projects, events, and initiatives that strengthen communities, protect the environment, and contribute to a sustainable future. The fund prioritises activities that reflect Mercury’s core values of Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, and Sustainability.

The programme helps local organisations deliver positive community outcomes by supporting initiatives that improve wellbeing, encourage environmental responsibility, and create lasting benefits for future generations.

Overview of the Mercury Oamaru Community Fund

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund is a community grant programme designed to support organisations working to improve life in the Oamaru community area.

The fund provides financial assistance for:

• Community projects.
• Local events.
• Environmental initiatives.
• Sustainability-focused activities.
• Programmes that create positive social impact.

The goal of the fund is to help community organisations develop projects that benefit people, protect natural resources, and strengthen local connections.

Mercury Community Values

Funding applications must demonstrate alignment with Mercury’s key values.

The three core values are:

Manaakitanga – Caring for Communities

Manaakitanga focuses on putting people at the centre of decision-making and supporting stronger communities.

Projects that demonstrate Manaakitanga may include:

• Activities that improve community wellbeing.
• Programmes supporting inclusion and participation.
• Initiatives that bring people together.
• Services that strengthen local relationships.

Kaitiakitanga – Protecting the Environment

Kaitiakitanga represents responsibility for protecting and caring for the environment for current and future generations.

Projects may support:

• Environmental conservation.
• Protection of local ecosystems.
• Community sustainability activities.
• Education about environmental responsibility.

Sustainability – Creating Positive Long-Term Impact

Sustainability focuses on improving, growing, learning, and adapting through responsible approaches.

Supported projects may include:

• Long-term community development initiatives.
• Sustainable practices.
• Innovation and improvement projects.
• Activities that create lasting benefits.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The fund is open to community organisations that meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a community organisation.
• Be located within the designated Oamaru community area.
• Demonstrate alignment with Mercury’s community values.
• Apply for an eligible future-focused purpose.

Eligible organisations may include:

• Community groups.
• Local nonprofit organisations.
• Environmental organisations.
• Community service providers.
• Other local organisations creating community benefits.

Funding Purpose and Eligible Expenses

Funding is available only for specific future activities and projects.

Eligible funding purposes may include:

• Community events.
• Project costs.
• Sustainability initiatives.
• Environmental activities.
• Community improvement programmes.

Important expense rules:

• All funded expenses must occur within New Zealand.
• Overseas purchases are allowed only when required items are unavailable locally.
• Expenses must relate directly to the approved project or activity.

Funding Amount

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund provides grants based on project needs and assessment outcomes.

Funding guidance:

• Typical individual grants: Approximately NZD 200 to NZD 2,000.
• Applications may receive:
  • Full funding.
  • Partial funding.

The final funding amount is determined by Mercury’s evaluation panel.

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide information demonstrating that their project meets the fund’s objectives.

Applications should clearly explain:

• The purpose of the project.
• How the activity benefits the Oamaru community.
• How the project reflects Mercury’s values.
• The expected outcomes.
• The required funding amount.
• How funds will be used.

Additional Documentation Requirements

Some applications require supporting documents.

For operating cost requests:

Organisations requesting support for expenses such as:

• Electricity costs.
• Landline telephone expenses.
• Local government rates.
• Building insurance.

must provide invoices covering the previous three months.

For salary-related funding requests:

Applications supporting existing salary positions must include:

• A signed employment contract.
• Employee name.
• Rate of pay.
• Contract duration.
• Position description.

Conflict of Interest Requirements

Applicants must ensure there is no conflict of interest between:

• The applicant organisation.
• Any supplier or service provider receiving funding.

Applications involving conflicts of interest may not be eligible for support.

How the Application Process Works

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund follows a review and assessment process.

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

Applicants should identify a project that:

• Benefits the Oamaru community.
• Matches Mercury’s values.
• Has clear future-focused outcomes.

Step 2: Submit the Funding Application

Organisations submit their application with:

• Project details.
• Budget information.
• Supporting documents.
• Evidence of community impact.

Step 3: Evaluation Panel Review

Applications are assessed by a panel made up of Mercury representatives from different teams and roles.

The panel:

• Reviews applications.
• Considers project impact.
• Determines funding decisions.
• May approve full or partial funding.

Step 4: Funding Decision

Funding decisions are made at Mercury’s discretion.

Applicants may receive:

• Full grant approval.
• Partial grant approval.
• No funding.

Assessment Criteria

The evaluation panel considers factors such as:

• Alignment with Mercury’s values.
• Benefits to the local community.
• Environmental impact.
• Project sustainability.
• Clarity of purpose.
• Appropriate use of funding.

Application Restrictions

Certain applications are not eligible.

The fund does not support:

• Individuals applying personally.
• Activities required under government-funded contracts.
• Organisations submitting multiple applications in the same funding round.

Additional limits:

• Each organisation may submit only one application per funding round.
• Eligible organisations may receive a maximum of two successful grants within one calendar year.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying for activities unrelated to community benefit.
• Failing to explain alignment with Mercury values.
• Submitting incomplete documentation.
• Requesting funding for past expenses.
• Applying for general costs without required invoices.
• Requesting support for government-contracted obligations.
• Submitting more than one application per funding round.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Organisations can improve their applications by:

• Clearly explaining the community need.
• Showing measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrating environmental or social benefits.
• Providing a realistic budget.
• Explaining how the project creates long-term value.
• Including all required supporting documents.

Why the Mercury Oamaru Community Fund Matters

The fund helps strengthen the Oamaru community by supporting initiatives that improve social connections, protect the environment, and encourage sustainable development.

The programme supports:

• Stronger local communities.
• Environmental responsibility.
• Community-led solutions.
• Sustainable growth.
• Positive outcomes for future generations.

By investing in local organisations, the fund helps create meaningful and lasting change in Oamaru.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Mercury Oamaru Community Fund?

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund is a grant programme that supports community organisations in Oamaru with funding for projects, events, and initiatives that benefit local communities and the environment.

Who can apply for the fund?

Community organisations based within the designated Oamaru community area can apply if their project aligns with Mercury’s values.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Individual grants generally range from approximately NZD 200 to NZD 2,000, although funding decisions depend on project assessment.

Can individuals apply for funding?

No. The fund does not accept applications from individuals.

Can organisations apply for general operating costs?

Yes, but organisations requesting support for costs such as power, telephone, rates, or insurance must provide invoices covering the previous three months.

How many applications can an organisation submit?

An organisation may submit only one application per funding round and may receive a maximum of two successful grants within a calendar year.

Are government-funded activities eligible?

No. Activities that are already required under a government-funded contract are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Mercury Oamaru Community Fund provides valuable support for local organisations working to strengthen communities, protect the environment, and create sustainable outcomes. By focusing on Manaakitanga, Kaitiakitanga, and Sustainability, the fund encourages projects that deliver meaningful benefits for Oamaru residents and future generations.

For more information, visit Mercury.