The fund was set up by Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel to support victims' families and the Muslim community after the March 15 terror attack.
At the time of the attack The Chills were in the United States, on a 14-date tour highlighted by the Martin Phillipps-fronted group performing at the prestigious South by Southwest festival.
While at the Texas event, The Chills received the Grulke Prize, an award named after former festival creative director Brent Grulke, who died in 2012.
The award, worth $US10,000 ($NZ15,800) is given to an established artist or group appearing at the festival, which has either "reinvented" themselves or launched an important new project.
The funds are to be given to charity.
In a statement on its facebook page, The Chills said its chosen charity was the Christchurch Foundation.
"We hope our decision to contribute will encourage others to continue the crucial dialogue and also support by whatever practical means they can."
