Community group funding
We aspire to see a strong and resilient Waikato founded on social justice and equity, where people can reach their potential despite societal barriers.
We fund community-led groups in the Waikato region that are committed to enhancing wellbeing and deliver directly to the communities they serve in order to:
Address inequity and social injustice
Champion inclusion, choice and wellbeing
Benefit disadvantaged and vulnerable groups
How we share our funds
The Trust welcomes applications for Stockmans grants from groups operating within the Waikato region once in any 12-month timeframe. Our Stockmans grants are for applications up to and including $20,000. The typical Stockmans grant is $3,000 - $5,000.
Our Expression of Interest (EOI) pathway is designed to support new and innovative initiatives from community groups that strongly align with our strategic focus.
We don't support groups seeking funding for:
- Activities that don't specifically and directly benefit communities in the Waikato
- Political purposes
- Faith based ministry work
- Sport and recreation facilities or participation except where it seeks to address inequity of outcomes for groups experiencing disadvantage or hardship
- Creative and performing arts facilities or participation except where it seeks to address inequity of outcomes for groups experiencing disadvantage or hardship
- Mainstream educational learning and facilities (ECE through to tertiary level) except where it seeks to address inequity of outcomes for groups experiencing disavantage or hardship
- Projects from or benefitting an individual, projects outside the Waikato region or overseas projects/travel
While we don’t have any formal reporting requirements, we consider our funding part of an ongoing relationship and value the opportunity to hear about the difference your mahi is making within the community.
2026 Stockmans Grant round dates:
Grant round 3: Opens 10 April - closes 15 May
Grant round 4: Opens 5 June - closes 17 July
Grant round 5: Opens 7 August - closes 11 September
Grant round 6: Opens 2 October - closes 13 November
Online grant applications
The Trust uses the Smarty Grants on-line grants system. You will need to register with Smarty Grants in order to begin your application or EOI. Please read the information on how we share our funds before you begin your application.
If your grant application is equal to or less than $20,000, please apply for a Stockmans Grant
Stockmans Grant
Our Expression of Interest (EOI) pathway is designed to support new and innovative initiatives from community groups that strongly align with our strategic focus.
EOI form
Along with your Stockmans grant application please have the following documents ready to include:
- Budget - Project or current year budget, applicable to your application
- Annual financial accounts - Recent annual financial accounts, reviewed or audited, as applicable.
- Bank account - one of the following: i. Bank deposit slip ii. Bank issued account number verification document iii. Copy of recent bank statement – showing account name and number
- Any supporting documents – e.g. annual report, photos, quotes, references etc.
Gallery
Check out a few of the amazing groups and projects we have helped support in our community
