Local Community Groups Receive Over $1.1 Million in Grants to Support Vital Work
14 May 2025
35 community organisations awarded funding to enhance services across the region
Otago Community Trust is pleased to announce that $1,177,317 has been distributed to 35 community groups across the region in its April grants round. These funds will support a wide range of initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of communities throughout Otago.
Supporting Youth Development and Outdoor Education
Up-Cycles Charitable Trust received $8,000 to expand their Community of Bike Ambassadors (COBA) programme. The programme equips young people with cycling skills, leadership abilities, and first aid knowledge, enabling them to assist others on Central Otago's cycle trails.
"We are aiming to deliver to 60 rangatahi this year, which will undoubtedly make a difference in our community," said Chris Foggin, Project Director. "We have already seen attendees from previous cohorts using their skills on our trail network."
Currently, the programme will be delivered to six schools across Central Otago, with additional schools indicating interest. Each ambassador receives essential equipment including a first aid kit, backpack, and cycle tools.
Environmental Regeneration
Following the devastating 2020 wildfire at Lake Ōhau, the Ōhau Conservation Trust began the Avoca Forest restoration project. Planting of the native forest has been underway since 2022 and an additional boost of $3,000 has been granted to continue its development.
The funding will support the creation of recreational spaces, installation of plant identification signs, and equipment for volunteer activities. Since the project began, volunteers have planted 4,481 native plants and created 1,140 metres of walking track in this valued community space.
“Funds from this grant will be used to increase the community’s knowledge of local plants and the natural environment of Lake Ōhau” Said Helen McMahon, Trustee of Ōhau Conservation Trust. “We will enhance the information available about opportunities to be involved in conservation activities.”
Strengthening Social Services
Eleven social service organisations received a total of $824,700 to support their vital mahi in the community. Otago Youth Wellness Trust was awarded $119,700 to support their Wraparound and Rangatahi Group Service, which provides integrated support for young people with high and multiple needs.
Southern Youth Development received $94,500 for their Rangatahi Success and Wellbeing programmes, which offer employment, education opportunities, and personal development for young people aged 12-24. And Age Concern Otago was granted $68,250 to continue their range of services supporting older people across the region.
Enriching Arts and Culture
The arts sector, particularly music, also received support in this funding round. Musical Theatre Dunedin was awarded $15,700 to assist with staging "Chess The Musical," continuing their nearly 100-year tradition of producing quality amateur theatre in Dunedin.
Chamber Music NZ received $11,800 to support their 2025 programme, including the 60th anniversary of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest for youth and performances by innovative artists such as Tiki Taane and From Scratch across various Otago locations.
Rockquest Charitable Trust was granted $9,000 to hold Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats events in Otago, providing young musicians with professional performance experience. And Choirs Aotearoa NZ Trust ($5,000) and Central Otago Regional Choir ($2,500) received funding to support singing initiatives and concert series across multiple Otago locations.
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Otago Community Trust Grants, March 2025 |
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Alexandra |
Life Education Trust Heartland Otago Southland |
$13,000.00 |
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Up-Cycles Charitable Trust |
$8,000.00 |
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Central Otago Regional Choir |
$2,500.00 |
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Dunedin |
The Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation |
$3,000.00 |
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Aukaha (1997) Ltd |
$56,550.00 |
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Stopping Violence Dunedin Inc |
$30,000.00 |
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Green Island School |
$3,000.00 |
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Musical Theatre Dunedin Inc |
$15,700.00 |
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Catholic Social Services |
$68,250.00 |
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Presbyterian Support Otago |
$84,000.00 |
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Otago Youth Wellness Trust |
$119,700.00 |
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Anglican Family Care |
$89,250.00 |
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Methodist Mission Southern |
$78,750.00 |
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Southern Youth Development |
$94,500.00 |
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Prisoner Aid and Rehabilitation Society - Otago (PARS) |
$12,500.00 |
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Te Hou Ora Whānau Services Limited |
$84,000.00 |
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Dunedin Poultry Pigeon & Cage Bird Club |
$2,717.00 |
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Swing Riot Dunedin Inc |
$4,000.00 |
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Otago Chinese Professionals Association Incorporated |
$750.00 |
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Chisholm Park Golf Club Inc |
$6,500.00 |
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Milton |
Tokomairiro Community Recreation Centre |
$5,000.00 |
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Ōamaru |
Ōhau Conservation Trust |
$3,000.00 |
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Otago |
Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand |
$145,000.00 |
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Choirs Aotearoa NZ Trust |
$5,000.00 |
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The Girl Guides Association New Zealand Inc |
$2,500.00 |
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Rockquest Charitable Trust |
$9,000.00 |
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Salvation Army New Zealand |
$45,000.00 |
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Age Concern Otago Inc |
$68,250.00 |
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Able - Southern Families Support |
$63,000.00 |
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Chamber Music New Zealand Trust |
$11,800.00 |
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Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (SCIP) |
$1,000.00 |
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Epilepsy Association of New Zealand Inc |
$5,000.00 |
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Wānaka |
Wānaka Search and Rescue Inc |
$20,000.00 |
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The Tarras Community Church Charitable Trust |
$11,500.00 |
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Lake Hāwea Community Centre Inc |
$5,600.00 |
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