How to apply for a Constellation Communities Trust grant
Constellation Communities Trust takes applications all year and its Directors meet every month. It backs amateur sport and community groups, with priority for sport in the regions where it has venues. Your application must land at least 5 days before the meeting.
- Funder
- Constellation Communities Trust Limited
- Grant size
- No minimum or maximum published. Its 2025 grants register shows approvals from about $520 to $35,000, averaging about $8,600. Check the latest register on the funder's site.
- Next cut-offs
- 13 November 2026 (meeting 18 November). 11 December 2026 (meeting 16 December).
- Form length
- 30 questions
- Quotes
- Two competitive quotes for the goods or services
- How to submit
- Online form, with all files uploaded as a single zip folder
Who can apply
- Non-profit bodies whose application fits the Trust's Authorised Purpose.
- Amateur sport clubs. The Trust names football, rugby, netball, athletics, swimming, table tennis, badminton, kabaddi, cricket, hockey, basketball and volleyball.
- Groups running educational, cultural, health, environmental, recreational or philanthropic activities for charitable purposes.
- Religious bodies, including capital and running costs for places of worship.
- Expect to be incorporated. The form asks for your incorporation number and a copy of your certificate.
What it will not pay for
- Playing strips and uniforms for teams with members aged 12 and over.
- Dress uniforms, jackets, polo shirts, wet weather gear, sports bags, footwear, socks or promotional tee shirts, for any age.
- Social events, supporter trips and after-match functions.
- Professional sport, or non-affiliated social clubs such as corporate leagues.
- Personal or commercial gain.
- Anything already bought. There are no retrospective grants.
Documents to have ready
- Two competitive quotes.
- A bank deposit slip.
- Evidence you are affiliated or aligned with a national body.
- A copy of your certificate of incorporation.
- Minutes recording your resolution to apply to Constellation Communities Trust Limited.
- Your latest audited accounts.
- For salary: a signed employment contract and job description.
Rules that catch people out
- The 3-month rule. The form's conditions say the grant must be spent, and invoices, receipts and bank statements sent back, within 3 months. The Grants Policy says 6 months. Plan for 3 unless the Trust agrees otherwise in writing.
- Two signatures. Two senior members of your organisation sign at the last step.
- Venue key persons. Nobody with an interest in a Constellation gaming venue can complete the application or decide how the money is spent.
- It is public. The Trust publishes the name of every organisation that applies and whether it was approved or declined.
- Fully funded elsewhere. If another funder already covers the full amount, you are not eligible.
Can you pay someone to help?
You can get help preparing it. Your organisation is still the applicant. An authorised person reviews it, signs the declaration and submits it. Never pay anyone a share of the grant.
Want this one written for you?
We draft the full application, budget, impact statement, support letters and calendar within 3 working days. You check it, sign it and submit it under your own login. No success fees, ever.
Funders change dates and rules. Always confirm on the funder's own page before you submit. Sources: https://www.constellationtrust.org.nz/grants https://www.constellationtrust.org.nz/copy-of-grant-form