A major funding boost is on the way for local groups, with community grants increasing from $10,000 to $60,000 a year – a sixfold jump that will make a real difference across the district.
The increase is a result of a new three-year pilot programme between Council and the Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury (CTMSC), designed to keep funding decisions local and responsive to community needs.
Under the partnership, CTMSC will match Council’s contribution dollar for dollar up to $30,000, creating a combined annual pool of $60,000 for what will become a new joint community grant.
To unlock the full match, Council agreed on 21 May 2026 to raise its own funding from $10,000 to $30,000 per year. Council’s Grants Committee will oversee the new grant, including determining the number of funding rounds and the size of individual grants. The existing Waimate District Council Community Grant will be reshaped into this new joint scheme.
The funding start date was 1 July 2026. Council’s additional $20,000 contribution is unbudgeted in 2026/27 but will be included in future budgets and funded from rates.
Grant rounds will be advertised ahead of opening, giving local groups plenty of time to prepare applications.
