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Supporting Sport, Culture, and Community: Four Winds Foundation Funding (New Zealand)

Deadline: 25-Feb-2026

The Four Winds Foundation provides funding to non-profit organizations using gaming proceeds from its venues, supporting projects in sport, community development, health, education, arts, environment, and animal welfare. Grants are intended for non-commercial initiatives that benefit local communities and strengthen social well-being.

Overview

The Four Winds Foundation distributes gaming proceeds from its venues to support local communities across a variety of sectors. The foundation emphasizes non-profit, community-oriented initiatives that deliver tangible social benefits rather than commercial gain. Funding priorities include sport, education, health, welfare, arts and culture, environmental conservation, and community strengthening activities.

Funding and Grant Details

  • Funding Source: Gaming proceeds from Four Winds venues

  • Purpose: Support charitable and community-oriented initiatives

  • Eligible Sectors:

    • Sport: Equipment, facilities, and programs promoting physical activity and teamwork

    • Community Initiatives: Projects that strengthen local bonds and quality of life

    • Health, Welfare, and Rescue Services: Enhancing community well-being and emergency response

    • Education and Research: Advancing knowledge and educational opportunities

    • Arts and Culture: Enriching society through creative projects

    • Environment and Animals: Conservation and animal welfare initiatives

  • Grant Amounts: Determined based on project scope and community benefit

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organizations must:

  • Be non-profit bodies, registered as an Incorporated Society or with another legal status

  • Preferably be registered with the Charities Commission

  • Deliver projects with non-commercial benefits to a significant portion of the community

  • Ensure any fundraisers are paid flat or hourly rates, with no commissions or success fees tied to grant outcomes

Types of Supported Projects

The foundation funds projects that:

  • Promote sporting activity and teamwork

  • Strengthen community cohesion and engagement

  • Improve health, welfare, and emergency services

  • Support educational and research initiatives

  • Enhance arts, cultural programs, and creative engagement

  • Advance environmental conservation or animal welfare

  • Address other social needs aligned with the Foundation’s funding criteria

Projects not supported include:

  • Payments beyond stake money to horse or greyhound owners or trainers

  • Payments to professional jockeys

  • Breeding-related activities for racehorses or greyhounds

  • Expenses providing commercial benefit to the racing industry

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Check Eligibility: Confirm non-profit registration and alignment with foundation priorities.

  2. Prepare Application: Detail project objectives, target beneficiaries, expected outcomes, and budget.

  3. Submit Application: Follow the official submission process outlined by the Four Winds Foundation.

  4. Assessment: Applications are reviewed for community impact, alignment with priorities, and non-commercial benefit.

  5. Grant Award: Funding is distributed to eligible projects based on assessment outcomes.

Tips for a Strong Application:

  • Clearly demonstrate community benefit and alignment with funding priorities

  • Provide detailed objectives, budgets, and measurable outcomes

  • Avoid inclusion of any commercial or racing-related expenses

  • Ensure governance and legal registration information is accurate

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Proposing projects with commercial benefits or racing-related costs

  • Submitting applications without proper non-profit registration

  • Engaging fundraisers without transparent, flat, or hourly remuneration

  • Providing incomplete or unclear project descriptions

  • Ignoring measurable benefits to the community

Why This Grant Matters

The Four Winds Foundation enhances community well-being by funding projects that address social, cultural, and environmental needs. By supporting non-profit initiatives, the foundation empowers organizations to deliver tangible, sustainable benefits for local residents, strengthen community cohesion, and enrich societal life.

FAQ – Four Winds Foundation Community Grants

1. Who can apply? Non-profit organizations registered as an Incorporated Society or with another legal status, preferably registered with the Charities Commission.
2. What types of projects are funded? Sport, community initiatives, health, welfare, education, arts, environment, and animal welfare projects.
3. Are commercial or racing-related expenses eligible? No, grants cannot be used for commercial benefits, stake money beyond owners/trainers, jockey payments, or breeding activities.
4. How should fundraisers be compensated? Only on a flat or hourly rate; no success-based or commission fees.
5. How is funding assessed? Based on alignment with priorities, measurable community impact, and non-commercial benefit.
6. What is the source of funding? Gaming proceeds from Four Winds venues.
7. Are grants capped at a specific amount? Amounts are determined based on project scope and community impact.

Conclusion

The Four Winds Foundation Community Grants provide strategic support for local organizations to implement initiatives that improve community welfare, cultural life, environmental conservation, and social cohesion. By funding non-profit, non-commercial projects, the foundation ensures meaningful benefits for residents across multiple sectors.

For more information, visit Four Winds Foundation.