The trust approved a total of 39 grants, totalling more than $400,000, across the Lakes district and Central Otago communities, helping organisations and schools commemorate the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold.
Earlier this year the trust approved a contestable funding pool of $200,000 to encourage local groups to recognise the important regional milestone.
The funding pool was made available for celebrations that preserved the legacy of the gold rush days, promoted the physical and cultural heritage of the region and engaged the community.
Trust chief executive Paul Allison said trustees were "overwhelmed" by applications and the high level of interest "took us by surprise".
"The range and variety of the events being planned was highly impressive and, subsequently, we increased the funding pool to ensure that the wide variety of excellent activities and events could proceed."
Ten of the successful applications were from local primary schools, including Queenstown Primary School and Remarkables Primary School, granted $5210 and $4360 respectively to help with various activities and events.
The Lakes District Museum was granted $40,000 to help stage various events and displays, while the Arrowtown and Lakes District 150th Celebrations was granted $30,948 for various events.
The Glenorchy Heritage Museum Group was given $4585 and the Lake County A and P Society was given $366.
The Remarkable Theatre Company received $3000 towards "Historical Theatre in the Park", the Queenstown Film Society was granted $2234 for "Historic Arrowtown Films", and the Queenstown Art Society received $1200 towards a gold-themed exhibition.
Mr Allison said CLT funding had also enabled the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust to appoint Julie Hughes, of Arrowtown, to co-ordinate the anniversary celebrations, helping to "ignite widespread community awareness and interest".
Her role had been extended to February 2013 to ensure all events and activities were well promoted throughout the region.
Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust president Martin Anderson said he was impressed with the activities proposed for the districts.
"I am thrilled at the response from the community embracing next year's gold celebrations and want to acknowledge the outstanding support from the Central Lakes Trust.
There were plans for an events calendar to be sent to every household in the region next year.
A dedicated website - www.gold150.org.nz - had been set up to help promote projects and activities celebrating the discovery of gold 150 years ago.
"The discovery of gold is a very significant milestone in the region's history," Mr Allison said.
"It is important it is widely celebrated, and the funding from Central Lakes Trust will ensure these activities are well resourced and will educate residents on the history of the discovery of gold in the region."
