Community organisations across the Southern Lakes region are
invited to apply for grants as the ZQN Community Fund opens its 2026 funding
round.
Applications opened today and close on 7 April 2026,
with grants available to support projects that benefit the communities of the Queenstown
Lakes and Central Otago districts.
The fund reflects the airport’s long-term commitment to
giving back to the communities in which it operates and aligns with its broader
sustainability objectives.
"As a key gateway to our region, we recognise our
responsibility to give back and support the communities that support us,"
said Vanessa Hartnell, Partnerships and Marketing Manager, Queenstown Airport. “The ZQN Community Fund extends our support
for local grassroots organisations that are doing important work on the ground,
strengthening social and community outcomes across the district.”
The fund is delivered in partnership with 45South Community
Foundation, which manages the funding and granting process.
Grants from last year’s funding round were used to support a
variety of programmes, with a focus on youth, disability, and community
wellbeing. The fund supported youth trusts; gear grab bags for the Frankton Fire Brigade; a
trailer to assist Friends of Bullock Creek with planting, weeding and mulching
work; a youth camp for MINT charitable trust; Central Journeys' outdoor adventures for teenage girls; a contribution to a new playground for Mount Aspiring
College; and butchering costs for game hunted by members of the Deerstalkers' Association
Southern Branch to be processed and donated to the community through KiwiHarvest.
The Community Fund is open to charitable organisations
working within the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts. Priority will
be given to initiatives that support community wellbeing, youth, environmental
sustainability, and resilience and particularly projects that respond to local
needs and have a clear community impact.
The fund has a total of $50,000 and grants are made between
$1,000 and $5,000.
