If you are a local not-for-profit, community group or charitable organisation, and you require funding, we may be able to help. 

 
 

We regularly advertise when applications open for our various grants. As part of the process, you will be asked to provide evidence of the positive effect your organisation has on the community.

 
 

Our Trustees will consider your application based on a range of pre-determined criteria, including availability of funds allocated to your particular cause.

 
 

If your application meets all of the criteria, it may be approved. Funds will be released as soon as possible, but no longer than three months from submitting the application.

Annual Grant Round

Our 2026 annual grant is now open. Applications close 5pm Friday the 2nd October.

This is our sole grant round for the year July 2026 - June 2027.

Grants will be made from the following funds:

  • General Funding

    • Miller General Impact Fund $20,000

    • John & Bernadette McKay Fund $20,000

    • Total available for distribution $40,000

    • Grants available 8 x $5,000

  • Health Funding

    • South Canterbury Health Endowment Fund $30,000

    • Bidwill Trust Hospital $100,000

    • Total available for distribution $130,000

    • Grants available 10 x $10,000 and 6 x $5,000

Thank you to Bidwill Trust Hospital for its continued support of health in South Canterbury

Applications

The only way to apply is via the online application process below

Please read our application guidelines and application criteria for more information

If this is an issue or you have any questions regarding funding please email grants@aorakifoundation.org.nz or call the office at 03 687 7363

Online Application

WARNING: FOR SECURITY REASONS THIS FORM HAS A FOUR HOUR TIME LIMIT, AFTER WHICH TIME YOUR APPLICATION MAY NOT SUCCESSFULLY SUBMIT

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE ALL YOUR INFORMATION READY BEFORE STARTING THIS FORM. YOU CAN NOT SAVE PROGRESS.

WE SUGGEST YOU COMPILE YOUR APPLICATION IN A WORD DOCUMENT BEFORE APPLYING.

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD A SAMPLE APPLICATION HERE

APPLY ONLINE HERE

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