Inc. 1992
Nau mai, haere mai, welcome to the Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust.
Proudly based in the heart of the Ōtorohanga District, the Trust is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and future of our local communities. Through conservation, education, cultural initiatives, and community partnerships, we work to support and celebrate the unique environment, heritage, and identity of the district.
We also acknowledge and sincerely thank the many local people, organisations, volunteers, and community leaders who bring forward ideas, apply for support, and help deliver meaningful initiatives across our district. Your commitment, generosity, and vision continue to strengthen our communities and create positive opportunities for current and future generations.
We warmly welcome and encourage anyone who wishes to help grow the Trust through financial contributions, bequests, or gifts with the Living Hand. Every contribution, large or small, helps strengthen our ability to invest back into the Ōtorohanga District and support initiatives that benefit our people, environment, and future generations.
The Where
Ōtorohanga District covers 1,976 square kilometres of thriving farmland, from the beautiful seaside town of Kāwhia in the west to the peaceful waters of Lake Arapuni in the east. Neighbouring the Waipā and Waitomo districts, it is home to vibrant and friendly communities who enjoy a relaxed and harmonious way of life. If you’re part of our community, we’re glad to have you. If you’re visiting, welcome!
Below are all you need to know about apply a grant.
Individual Grants
Applicants must be living in Ōtorohanga or have very close associations with Ōtorohanga District.
Community Group Grants
Organisations must be not-for-profit entities based in Ōtorohanga and supporting Ōtorohanga communities
The Trust makes grants for charitable purposes in the following areas:
- Arts -
- Sport and Recreation -
- Health and Wellbeing -
- Education -
- Environment -
Grants are made where there is a clear benefit to the Ōtorohanga District community or to a person living in the District.
We are especially keen on applications which build community cohesion and sustainability (paddling our waka together), connectedness, resilience, vibrancy and inclusion. We try to do the most good for the most people we can.
We don't fund the following:
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For-profit/business organisations or purposes
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Repayment of debt
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Personal loans
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Religious purpose
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Political advocacy
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High performance sport or other competition
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Core education and public health provided by government (e.g. teacher or nurse salaries, core school or medical equipment)
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Retrospective applications
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Endowments
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Fundraising (e.g. costs for a fundraiser, marketing and event costs for fundraising events, raffle prizes)
Applications will be considered at the following meeting dates:
Monday, 16th February 2026
Monday, 18th May 2026
Monday, 24th August (Meeting and AGM)
Monday, 23rd November 2026
Applications need to be with the Trust two weeks before the meeting date, and please note we will be considering applications 4 times a year, beginning in 2026.
We ask you to please read our FAQs before applying to ensure your application is eligible.
The Trust will usually let applicants know the outcome during the week following the Board meeting.
Applications must be made on the Grant Application Form available on the website and emailed to info@otoct.org.nz
Applications will be considered at the following meeting dates:
Monday, 16th February 2026
Monday, 18th May 2026
Monday, 24th August (Meeting and AGM)
Monday, 23rd November 2026
Applications need to be with the Trust two weeks before the meeting date, and please note we will be considering applications 4 times a year, beginning in 2026.
We ask you to please read our FAQs before applying to ensure your application is eligible. The Trust will usually let applicants know the outcome during the week following the Board meeting.
Applications must be made on the Grant Application Form available on the website and emailed to info@otoct.org.nz
Ōtorohanga Museum
Over the years, the Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust has provided grants to numerous groups and individuals, supporting their initiatives and taking pride in contributing to their motivation and success in building a thriving community.
A heartfelt and sincere thank you to our supporters of the Ōtorohanga Junior Squash Programme: Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust for their generous grants that funded equipment for the programme, and Wabbit Industries for their contribution of squash equipment that played a key role in training our local youth.
Ōtorohanga Junior Squash
Kio Kio School would like to thank the Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust for their incredible donation towards the sound and lighting for our school production. Your continued support of our school is aways valued!
Kio Kio School
Beattie Home recently made a purchase with the generous grant money that the Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust approved. These purchases included a portable Luna overhead lifting hoist, a Luna Trolley and a wall mounted charger. This is to assist Beattie Home in their move to provide hospital level care, as well as rest home care. This will mean the hoist can be used over three rooms, providing hospital level care for 3-6 people.
Thank you again
Jenny Hughes
Treasurer
Friends of Beattie Home
Beattie Home
Testimony
Ōtorohanga Township