Many sports organisations have limited sources of funding and depend on the income from grants and fundraisers. We have put together some resources to help you to know what funding opportunities are currently available in our region.

Funding for community organisations

To apply for funding, you generally need to be either a registered charity, not-for-profit organisation, an incorporated society, or be affiliated to a body that is incorporated (and preferably registered with the Charities Commission).

Our funding matrix is a list of local funders that organisations in the Whanganui region can apply to. The list identifies funders by who they will fund, how much is available and all the relevant details to know before you apply. We update the matrix regularly but if you have any questions about any of the funds that are included, or you think should be on the list, please contact us.

Sport Whanganui Funding Matrix – February 2024 (PDF – 270KB)


Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa provides funding for the delivery of activities for children and young people. Activities can be new or existing, and your application needs to show how you’re meeting the needs of young people.

This fund has a particular focus on groups who are less active, including girls and young women, disabled people and those living in higher deprivation communities.


Awhi te Rangatahi

Awhi te Rangatahi is a one-off fund of up to $1000 available for projects, events, or programmes for rangatahi.

Awhi te Rangatahi is a collaboration between the Whanganui District Council’s Youth Council and the Y.E.S.S Council.

View latest recipients

For more information about Awhi te Rangatahi, please contact Dinelle Saunders, Women & Girls Lead, at dinelle@sportwhanganui.co.nz.


Funding for individuals

The Future Champions Trust supports young athletes to achieve their goals at an international level in their chosen sport. There are two funding rounds each year, in March and September.

The Halberg Foundation Activity Fund provides grants to physically disabled young people (aged 5-21) to enable them to participate in sport and recreation by reducing financial barriers. The fund accepts applications made by, or on behalf of, individual physically disabled young people.

How we can help

For more information about any of these funding opportunities please contact the Sport Whanganui team.