Fund applications now open

Photo: supplied
Photo: supplied
Members of amateur wheelchair rugby club the Otago Wheellanders show uniforms bought using grants from Kinetic’s Moving Communities fund.

The local group was one of 18 organisations across New Zealand to receive support during the first year of the fund in 2025.

Applications have now opened for the 2026 programme, which features a total national funding pool of $80,000.

Grassroots organisations, schools, sports clubs and not-for-profits throughout the Otago region can apply for grants of up to $10,000 alongside practical transport, marketing and advertising assistance.

Kinetic New Zealand managing director Calum Haslop said the applications it received in the first year were "incredibly inspiring" and it wanted to hear from groups making a positive difference locally.

"Our people live and work in the communities we serve across Aotearoa, so we know the incredible work happening at the grassroots level," Mr Haslop said.

"The breadth and heart of these organisations, doing so much with limited resources, really stood out."

Applications close on Wednesday, June 24 and successful recipients will be announced in August.

— Visit wearekinetic.com/community to apply.