TŪ MANAWA ACTIVE AOTEAROA FUND

MAJOR ROUND OPEN 1ST DECEMBER 2025 - 28TH FEBRUARY 2026

Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund​​​​​​​

Sport Otago manages the Sport New Zealand Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund for the Otago region. The fund exists to activate our tamariki (children) and rangatahi (teens) through sport, active recreation, and play. It has a strong emphasis on understanding the needs of our youth and delivering what they want to do to be active. We encourage applications from a wide range of organisations that provide play, active recreation, and sport opportunities, particularly for those who are less active.

Application Process

To start your application, please either complete an Expression of Interest form OR call Grants Coordinator Gabby Mainland, so she can help with general enquiries. We will then provide you with feedback and discuss the next steps.

Gabby Mainland

Grants Coordinator

Phone: 027 226 2453

Email: gmainland@sportotago.co.nz 

4-Step Application Process

STEP 1

Read the Sport NZ Tū Manawa Community Guidelinesraft an ith r

STEP 2

Complete an Expression of Interest form OR contact Grants Coordinator Gabby Mainland

STEP 3

Draft an application in consultation with relevant staff member(s)​​​​​​

STEP 4

Submit your application!raft an mb

Fast Funds

Applications for up to $5,000. Fast Funds are open year round, and also have no closing date. We aim to process these smaller grants as soon as possible. This funding is available to enable smaller scale projects to gain funding support with a streamlined application process.

NOTE: These applications take 2 weeks to a month to receive a result. It will likely take an additional month to pay successful applicants (unless requested sooner)

Major Funding Rounds

There are two major rounds each year in which applicants can apply for up to $30,000.

Next round: OPENS 1st December 2025

NOTE: It is likely to take 6-8 weeks after the closing of the round before you will receive notification of a result. After you receive a result, a signed investment schedule and bank details will be required before payment is made. Please note, payments are paid once a month (unless requested sooner). 

If we are able to process grants before then, we will.

  Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

What can be funded?

How much can I apply for?

Accountability

Please find below a link to the accountability report for Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa.

It is important that during the delivery of your project you collect both quantitative and qualitative information on the success of your project. As well as reporting the numbers, you will be asked to provide examples of how your project was successful. Capturing the voice of the young people involved will be crucial for this.

It is a requirement to complete reporting for future funding, and allows us to see what you've done and if it aligns with the original application. We understand not every programme will go to plan, but allows to find ways to continue improving the impact Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa has across the Otago region.

From July 1st 2024, Sport NZ have created a new accountability report which allows part of the report to be prefilled. This will be sent to successful applicants alongside their investment schedule, and one month prior to their reporting due date as a reminder.