Grants and Donations

Contributing to a vibrant Invercargill

ILT and the ILT Foundation provide donations and sponsorships to a level of approximately $8 million annually to over 300 organisations during the year. 

From education, health and wellbeing to recreation and the arts, we return funding that positively impacts on our community via a diverse array of organisations. 

We are proudly for our community and continue to seek ways to positively impact on the lives of those of us who are lucky enough to call Invercargill home.

World Class Facilities

Continuing to support the ILT Stadium Southland/Velodrome which is a multi purpose venue, capable of hosting a wide range of events from large scale concerts to sporting events and exhibitions. Funding the construction of the Grace Street project, hockey turf and football grounds to mention just a few.

Arts and Entertainment

Ensuring our arts, culture and entertainment community continues to thrive through events such as ILT Art Awards, Southland Entertainment Awards, Invercargill Musical Theatre productions and the ILT Kidzone Festival. Plus adding some significant art pieces to the city such as Mia (NZ’s largest mural), touchstone Sina’s Seed and the exciting works of South Sea Spray.

Education & Youth

Supporting the growth and development of our youth through up-to-date classroom technology, ILT Tertiary and Trade Scholarships, Enrich@ILT and our learn to swim programme. We’ve also recently invested in youth mental health services Chatbus and The Mitey Programme.

Clubs and Associations

Supporting hundreds of clubs and associations who provide a variety of opportunities for our hāpori to be connected and engaged.

Health and Wellbeing

Assisting organisations who support the health and wellbeing of our community. For example, through donations to Diabetes Southland, Hospice Southland, Presbyterian Support Services – Family Works and Southland Help.

Active Recreation

Everything from grassroot sport, school age representative, individual and team sports, through to being the major funder of our three main professional sports teams; the Southern Steel, the Southland Stags and the Southland Sharks.

Grants and Funding

Applications for the October meeting have now closed.

Our next meeting will be on 18 December, with applications submitted through our new COMS system. Please click the link below to apply.

If you have any problems or need help with the new system, please call us on 03 211 3640. We’ll be happy to guide you through the process.

I think I’m ready to apply but I have questions?

We’re happy to help. If you have questions about applying or using the new application system, give us a call on 03 211 3640 and we’ll guide you through the process.

Before you start, it’s helpful to have the following information and documents handy, where applicable:

  • The amount you’re requesting
  • Details of other funding applied for or received, including sources and amounts
  • Proof of your organisation’s bank account
  • Charities Certificate / Certificate of Incorporation
  • Most recent financial statements
  • Organisation budget
  • A committee minute or resolution authorising the application

Depending on what you’re applying for, you may also need:

  • Event: two quotes per item and an event budget
  • Operational costs: a budget
  • Wages: the relevant employment agreement

You don’t need to complete everything in one go. You can save your application and return to it later.

I'm ready to apply.

If you’re ready to apply, click here to apply.

If you have any questions or need help with your application, call us on 03 211 3640. We’ll be happy to guide you through the process.

To help us tell the story of where our funding is having the most impact in the community, please use our logo in your collateral.

Here’s a link to our logos:

ILT Sports, Arts and Cultural Scholarships

Supporting local talent to shine on the world stage.

We are proud to support the extraordinary talented athletes, artists, and cultural performers from our community who have been selected to represent Aotearoa on the national and international stage.

Our Sports, Arts and Cultural Scholarships help remove the financial barriers that can stand between passionate individuals and once in a lifetime opportunities. By assisting with participation costs, the scholarship enables recipients to pursue their dreams, showcase their talents, and proudly represent our region wherever their journey takes them.

By supporting these opportunities, we aim to help talented individuals pursue excellence, gain valuable experience on wider stages, and return to inspire and strengthen our local community.

We’re proud to stand behind the determination, dedication, and talent of those carrying the Invercargill spirit out into the world!

Eligibility Criteria

ILT supports talented local people selected to represent at national or international level in amateur sport, arts, and cultural activities.

The scholarship helps reduce barriers created by living in a smaller regional centre, particularly the additional travel and participation costs involved in accessing wider opportunities.

Applications must be submitted by a recognised local governing body, regional organisation, or, where no local body exists, the relevant national organisation.

Applications from individuals will be referred to their local governing body as funds cannot be not paid directly to individuals.

Funding Levels

As a general guide, the funding levels are:

  • National representation within New Zealand: up to $750.
  • International representation – Australia and Pacific region: between $1,000-$1,500.
  • International representation – Asia, Europe, Americas, or other long-haul destinations: between $1,500 to $2,000.


Where teams, groups, or multiple applicants attend the same event, ILT may apply a group allocation, request prioritisation from the endorsing organisation, or adjust grant amounts to ensure fair and sustainable distribution of funding.

Final funding decisions remain at ILT discretion and are subject to available funds.

Application

If you’d like to apply for a Sports, Arts or Cultural Scholarship, please ask your local governing body to submit an application on your behalf through our new application system

If you have any questions about the scholarship or need help with the application process, email us at ilt@ilt.co.nz or call 03 211 3726. We’ll be happy to help.

ILT Tertiary Scholarships

ILT proudly supports today’s students; tomorrow’s leaders!

Our Tertiary Scholarship Programme has supported over 900 Invercargill students since its launch in 2007, with a total investment exceeding $5 million.

Each year, up to 65 of the city’s most promising students are selected to receive this scholarship, providing $2,000 annually for three years of full-time undergraduate study.

The selection process is rigorous, with candidates assessed on academic performance, community involvement, and future aspirations by an independent panel. This ensures that recipients not only excel in their studies but are also committed to making a positive impact on their community.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Must be a New Zealand born citizen or have been granted permanent residence in New Zealand.
  2. Must have permanently resided in the ICC rate paying area for at least 2 years.



Scholarships are not available for:

  1. Those who live outside of Invercargill but who temporarily board in Invercargill.
  2. Those who enroll in a course where no ongoing tuition fees are charged.
  3. Those who have already commenced their study.

Application Forms

ILT Tertiary Scholarship Applications for study in 2027 are now closed.

Grants Allocated

Funding where it matters

Below is a list of grants allocated by ILT over the past year:

Allocated 16 July 2026 – Download

Allocated 25 June 2026 – Download

Allocated 21 May 2026 – Download

Allocated 30 April 2026 – Download

Allocated 12 March 2026- Download

Allocated 12 February 2026 – Download

Allocated 18 December 2025 –  Download

Allocated 21 November 2025 –  Download

Allocated 30 October 2025 –  Download

Allocated 2 October 2025 –  Download

Allocated 27 August 2025 –  Download

For the full grant schedule from previous years please refer to the relevant Year in Review or Annual Report on the About Us page.