What we fund

Each year, we set an annual budget based on our financial outlook and current position. This helps guide where we focus our efforts and how we support our communities.

The budget determines the community dividend available for the year — the funding we distribute to support community initiatives.  The number, value, and type of grants may vary each year, depending on available funds.

Once the annual dividend is set, we allocate funding across priority areas aligned with our purpose, as outlined in Section 13 of our Act.

We distribute funding in two ways:

  • Competitive application process – Open to eligible applicants who meet our criteria.

  • Strategic funding – Automatically awarded to specific recipients where there is a clear strategic benefit.

  • For the 2025/26 financial year we have confirmed a budget of up to $200,000 for community funding under various categories.   

    Education

    Each year a large part of our funding is allocated to education to our local schools.  This includes a hardship fund which the school can apply for on behalf of students in need.  We offer sponsorship for a Greytown student to attend the Outward Bound Korowai course held in September and support the Kuranui College Breakfast Cafe and annual Matharapa event.

    Later this year, Greytown residents will again have the opportunity to apply for our Tertiary Education Scholarship. Applications for the 2026 year will open in November and will be widely advertised. The scholarship is available to all students entering their second or later year of study in 2026, regardless of age - including adults returning to study.

    This year the allocation for our education funding category is $82,500.

    Community

    In July, we will hold a community funding round for activities and projects that benefit the Greytown district across the areas of social, cultural, and environmental well-being.  There is $24,000 available and applications will be sought in June / July.   The application form and criteria will be made available via our website closer to the time.

    Funding support for community events such as the Wairarapa Festival of Christmas held in Greytown during July and the December Greytown Santa Parade will continue this year. 

    We have made a $25,000 grant to the Greytown Little Theatre for their Studio 73 Upgrade Project.

    And, a portion of our funding budget has been set aside for larger projects in the community - we look forward to engaging with local groups to identify how the Trust may be able to assist with projects that align with our strategic goals. 

    The total allocation for the community category this year is $102,500.

    Sport and Active Recreation

    $15,000 has been set aside for this category. 

    The criteria and application details are currently being finalised. 

  • Two core criteria apply for an individual or organisation to be considered eligible to receive a grant:

    • An individual must be able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Trustees that they reside in the Greytown District.

    • An organisation must either be based in the Greytown District, or, if based elsewhere, must demonstrate that they operate within the district and provide a service or benefit to Greytown residents.

  • Funding Opportunities

    The opening and closing dates for applications will be advertised once confirmed - check back soon. Application forms and relevant information will be made available closer to the opening date.

    The following three funding opportunities are available through a competitive application process. All eligible applications received will be reviewed by the Trustees, and funding will be awarded at their discretion.

    Community Funding for social, cultural and environmental projects – funding round opens June / July 2025

    Sport and Active recreation – criteria and application details currently being finalised 

    Tertiary Education Scholarship for 2026 – registration process will open in November 2025.