Rather than focusing on individual towns or localities, this fund is intended to support initiatives that have district-wide relevance, ideally impacting at least two community board areas.

This fund supports a broad range of community-led projects and services that contribute to improved wellbeing, recreation, health, and social connection across Southland. It is open to ideas that extend beyond physical infrastructure, embracing events, programmes, and innovative services that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

To be eligible, projects must clearly demonstrate their benefit to multiple communities. Applicants are expected to contribute a portion of the overall cost and must ensure their project has not already been completed, as retrospective funding is not available. Proposals are assessed on the strength of their purpose and their potential to create meaningful, collective outcomes.

Approximately $65,000 is available annually. Applications submitted within each round are reviewed and presented to council shortly after, allowing organisations to align their planning with the council’s decision-making process.

To apply, groups must provide evidence of their financial position, including a bank account, recent financial statements, and any supporting quotes or letters. All submissions must be made through the council’s digital platform to ensure consistency and transparency in processing.

These projects illustrate the fund’s capacity to support a wide spectrum of community needs, from infrastructure to public health campaigns and youth-focused programmes.

The District Initiatives Fund continues to serve as a platform for collaboration and forward-thinking solutions across Southland. It invites organisations to step beyond local boundaries and propose ideas that uplift the region as a whole—strengthening connections and contributing to a resilient, vibrant Southland community.

For more information, visit Southland District Council.