Trust Horizon expands $150,000 COVID-19 funding pool to include churches and sports clubs

Trust Horizon is expanding their $150,000 Community COVID-19 Contribution Grant funding pool to include support for local churches and sporting clubs who own and operate community facilities. 

First launched in February 2022, the funding pool was initially launched to support marae and community halls throughout the ongoing effects of COVID-19. “For many of these important local facilities, COVID-19 restrictions such as gathering limits have impacted their ability to fundraise through events,” says Trust Horizon Chief Executive, Derek Caudwell. “This has meant that the funds available for ongoing costs – such as electricity – have been stretched. The Trust saw the opportunity to offer support through the creation of this fund.”

The $150,000 pool has seen 16 successful marae and community hall applicants so far, with each receiving a $1,000 contribution to go towards their facility’s power bill account. A number of iwi and hapū representatives are also currently supporting their marae in preparing for the application process. 

In extending the fund to churches and sports clubs, Trust Horizon hopes to support even more local facilities while they build back to pre-COVID levels of events and activities.

“These last couple of years have seen a number of challenges for a range of community facilities,” says Caudwell. “The Trust is pleased to be able to offer some assistance by expanding this funding pool to include a wider variety of hard-working local organisations.”

Applications will be considered monthly, and grants will continue to be available until 1 April 2023, or until the $150,000 funding pool is fully allocated.

The application process is simple and straightforward, with online submissions taking approximately 30 minutes. To make a submission, visit the Apply Now section of the Trust Horizon website, or contact the Trust directly on 07 307 0893.

To learn more about our funding process, start here.