A range of funding pathways is available, from smaller practical grants through to larger partnership-based and targeted opportunities, along with increasing support through guidance, connection and community capability.
Funding Pathways
Ahu Community Trust offers several funding pathways, designed to support different types of community need, opportunity and partnership across Mid and South Canterbury.
If you are not sure where to start, the funding pathways below are designed to help identify the option that best fits your organisation, project or community need.
Find key information to help prepare an application, including eligibility, priorities and what to expect.
See which organisations, groups and community initiatives are eligible for support.
Check funding rounds, opening dates and closing dates for current opportunities.
Community Grants
Flexible grant pathways for everyday community needs, from smaller practical requests through to larger community-focused initiatives.
These grants are designed to support local organisations and initiatives responding to practical needs, community opportunities and projects that strengthen the region.
Helping Hand Fund
Helping Hand Fund
Up to $5,000 For one-off needs and smaller requests. Open all year.
General Grants Fund
Up to $20,000 For operational support and small capital needs.
Flourishing Communities Fund
Up to $20,000 For initiatives that help communities grow, connect and flourish.
Focused Funding
By-invitation - Focused Funding Opportunities
Flexible grant pathways for everyday community needs, from smaller practical requests through to larger community-focused initiatives.
These grants are designed to support local organisations and initiatives responding to practical needs, community opportunities and projects that strengthen the region.
Foodbank
Schools
Community Development
Arts
Collaborative and other targeted opportunities
Strategic Partnerships
Intentional funding partnerships focused on priority areas where deeper support, collaboration and impact can make a bigger difference.
These partnerships are designed to support longer-term thinking, shared effort and more meaningful change in areas of identified need.
Environment
Health and wellbeing
Housing
Young People
Up to $20,000 For initiatives that help communities grow, connect and flourish.
Ready To Apply
Applications are completed online. Before getting started, make sure the right funding pathway has been identified and the key information is ready.
Looking for guidance?
If it’s not clear which funding or support pathway is the right fit, please get in touch. A conversation can help clarify what’s possible and where to begin.
Call: 0800 672 287
Email: crm@ahutrust.org.nz
Other Ways We Support
Alongside our main funding pathways, Ahu Community Trust may also support communities through a number of additional approaches. These create flexibility where longer-term, collaborative or nationally significant opportunities arise.
Multi Year Grants
In some cases, Ahu Community Trust may provide funding over more than one year. This approach may be considered where longer-term support aligns with the Trust’s strategic direction, available funding, and the needs of the organisation or project.
Collaborative Funding
From time to time, Ahu Community Trust may work alongside other funders to support a project or initiative through a collaborative funding approach. This can help strengthen impact, share resources and support larger community outcomes.
Kaupapa of National Significance
Ahu Community Trust may also be involved in national funding initiatives led collaboratively by Community Trusts across Aotearoa New Zealand. These opportunities sit outside the Trust’s local funding streams and are guided by a shared annual kaupapa of focus.