Community Grants

What to know before applying with BRCT

The Braided Rivers Community Trust distributes funds exclusively within a designated geographic area, which is clearly outlined on the map provided.

To ensure your eligibility, it is important to verify if you or your organisation falls within this boundary before submitting an application.

If you are uncertain or suspect that you may be outside the eligible area, we encourage you to get in touch with us. We’ll do our best to assist and, if necessary, connect you with other organisations like The Lion Foundation that might be able to help.

Please review the map carefully to confirm whether you qualify to apply.

Braided Rivers Community Trust Grant Pools

We currently have two distinct grant pools: Quick Response Grants and Annual/Multi-Year Grants. The Trust has set a fixed annual budget of $100,000, which is allocated between these two categories.

Quick Response Grants
Quick Response Grant applications are reviewed at monthly grant meetings. This grant pool has a total of $40,000, spread across 11 meetings throughout the year. On average, approximately $3,500 is available for grant allocation each month.

Annual and Multi-Year Grants
Annual and Multi-Year Grant applications are reviewed twice a year, during the February and August meetings. The total grant pool for these grants is $60,000, which is divided between Annual and Multi-Year applications. Please note that this pool is shared between both types of applications.

We encourage you to carefully consider which grant pool is most relevant to your needs before submitting your application. Examples below provide a clear understanding of each granting pool.

Quick Response Grants

This grant is particularly useful when an unexpected expense or unbudgeted event arises.

It is designed to provide support when time is of the essence, helping to address urgent situations that require immediate attention or resources, ensuring that your organisation can continue its activities without delay.

Whether it's a sudden repair, an unforeseen opportunity, or an emergency expense, this grant can help bridge the gap and provide the necessary funding when it’s needed most.

Applications close: 1st of each Month.

Annual Grants

This grant is ideal for situations where your group or organisation requires a substantial amount of funding to support a significant project or initiative.

This grant provides the financial backing necessary to move forward with your goals. It’s specifically designed for circumstances where a large sum of money is essential to achieve meaningful progress or address a large-scale need, helping to ensure the success and sustainability of your organisation’s work.

Applications close: 1st February and 1st August.

Please note this funding pool also includes Multi Year Grants.

Multi Year Grants

This grant is ideal for those who require significant financial support over an extended period, allowing you to plan and execute your project with greater stability and confidence.

It’s designed to help organisations manage large, long-term funding needs, ensuring that your work can evolve and grow without financial constraints.

Applications close: 1st February and 1st August.

Please note this funding pool also includes Annual Year Grants.

Braided Rivers Community Trust Grant Checklist

Grant applications are due on the first day of the month of the grant meeting ie. Applications for the August grant meeting are due on 1st of August. 

Supporting Information is required, please make sure you have the following:

• Two Quotes - These should be no less than 6 months old, addressed to your organisation, show GST content and suppliers contact details. For Operating expenses - 3 months consecutive bills.
• Verification of your affiliation or governance to a regional or national body. Sporting groups are required to be affiliated.
• Board Resolution, or full minutes.  

Braided Rivers Community Trust Grant Forms and Information

For more information please select one the options below or contact us at info@brct.co.nz

• Braided Rivers Community Trust's Statement of Granting Policies and Objectives
• Braided Rivers Community Trust Application Form
• Braided Rivers Community Trust Accountability Form
• Braided Rivers Community Trust Map
• Braided Rivers Community Trust Grant Funds Distributed
• Braided Rivers Community Trust Primary Logo

Lion Foundation Grants

The Lion Foundation is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected Charitable Trusts. Since 1985 they have returned over $985 million back to the community, supporting thousands of good causes all around New Zealand.

To reinforce their commitment to our local communities The Lion Foundation has Grrant Committee’s which operate across the country. These committee’s ensure that they have local people making local decisions about local funds.

The decision on which organisations are successful is made by the Grants Distribution committee. The committee consists of the six elected Braided Rivers Community Trust Ashburton Board members, the Mayor of Ashburton and four independently appointed Ashburton residents.  

 All monies generated through the gaming machines in the Mid Canterbury* are returned to Mid Canterbury* based organisations. The Lion Foundation has ownership of machines at the following sites:

• Tinwald Tavern, 103-107 Archibald Street, Ashburton
• Hotel Ashburton, 11-35 Racecourse Road, Ashburton 
• Devon Tavern, 116-118 Victoria Street, Ashburton
• Railway Tavern, 124 Railway Terrace, Rakaia
• Hinds Tavern, 99 Peters Street, Hinds
• Ash Hills, 78 Tancred Street, Ashburton
• Brown Pub, Corner of Main St & Forest Drive, Methven

*Mid Canterbury is defined geographically (as opposed to Electoral boundaries) as Rakaia to Rangitata Rivers.

Lion Foundation Grant Forms and Information

• Lion Foundation Application
• Lion Foundation Map
• Lion Foundation Meeting Dates
• Lion Foundation Funds Distributed