Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The Queenstown Lakes District Council Community Fund provides $180,000 for 2026–2027 to support local not-for-profit organisations and community groups in initiatives that enhance wellbeing, resilience, and community connectedness. Eligible projects focus on delivering meaningful events, services, and programs aligned with district priorities, fostering stronger and more resilient communities.
Overview
The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Community Fund supports local organisations in delivering initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, resilience, and connections. The program enables groups to:
- Implement events, services, and projects benefiting the wider community
- Foster community participation and connectedness
- Align initiatives with local priorities and Council objectives
The fund is designed to empower not-for-profit and voluntary organisations to positively impact the Queenstown Lakes District through community-driven projects.
Funding Details
- Total Funding Pool: $180,000
- Funding Period: Aligned with the Council’s financial year, 1 July – 30 June
- Eligible Funding Uses: Community events, services, and projects that directly enhance wellbeing, resilience, and social connectedness
- Funding Exclusions:
- Retrospective projects
- Debt repayment
- Legal or medical expenses
- Religious or political promotion
- Central government responsibilities
- Physical works without necessary permits
- Purchase of alcohol
Who is Eligible?
- Legally established not-for-profit, charitable, or voluntary organisations, including trusts or incorporated societies
- Organisations operating within Queenstown Lakes District boundaries
- Demonstrated sound financial management and regulatory compliance
- No outstanding debts or reporting obligations from prior council funding
How to Apply / How It Works
- Prepare Application: Describe your initiative, expected outcomes, budget, and alignment with community priorities.
- Submit Application: Ensure all eligibility requirements and documentation are met.
- Assessment: Applications are evaluated based on:
- Contribution to community wellbeing and resilience
- Alignment with QLDC priorities
- Feasibility and sustainability of the initiative
- Sound financial planning and accountability
- Funding Allocation: Approved projects receive funding for the 2026–2027 financial year.
- Project Delivery & Reporting: Organisations must deliver projects on time, report outcomes, and maintain compliance with council guidelines.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly link your project to community wellbeing, resilience, and connectedness
- Provide detailed budgets and timelines
- Highlight community engagement and measurable impact
- Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements
- Demonstrate organisational capacity and prior project success
Why It Matters
The Community Fund strengthens local communities by:
- Supporting meaningful, community-driven initiatives
- Encouraging social cohesion and resilience
- Enabling organisations to deliver impactful projects aligned with district priorities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the fund?
Legally established not-for-profit, charitable, or voluntary organisations operating within the Queenstown Lakes District boundaries.
2. What is the total funding available?
$180,000 for the 2026–2027 financial year.
3. What types of projects are eligible?
Events, services, and community projects that enhance wellbeing, resilience, and connectedness.
4. What is not supported?
Retrospective projects, debt repayment, legal or medical expenses, political or religious activities, central government responsibilities, physical works without permits, and alcohol purchases.
5. When must projects be delivered?
Within the Council’s financial year, from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.
6. Are there financial compliance requirements?
Yes, organisations must demonstrate sound financial management and have no outstanding debts or reporting obligations from previous council funding.
7. How are applications assessed?
Based on contribution to community wellbeing, alignment with council priorities, feasibility, sustainability, and financial accountability.
Conclusion
The Queenstown Lakes District Council Community Fund provides critical support to local organisations, enabling initiatives that foster stronger, more connected, and resilient communities. By funding well-planned, community-driven projects, the program ensures that residents benefit from meaningful, sustainable, and impactful initiatives across the district.
For more information, visit QLDC.