Community funding

MainPower values its relationship with the Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura and Kainga/Stewarts Gully communities and is a major contributor to the region. Through our Community Fund sponsorship programme, MainPower supports several projects and events each year.  

The MainPower Community Fund is designed to distribute $40,000 twice a year into the local community to support not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and schools doing great things in our region.  

There are two funding rounds every year. Applications are open for approximately 5 months each round.

MainPower is unable to consider sponsorships for the following:

• Projects for a single, identified individual.
• Retrospective applications (projects already completed or costs committed before application).
• Projects where the benefit is outside our funding regions.
• Projects that have little or no community involvement or support.
• Projects that are, or are likely to be, highly divisive, illegal or high-risk events or activities.
• Local government or central government departments for activities that could primarily be deemed their responsibility.
• Political parties or groups aligned with political parties.
• Religious groups or organisations, their events, activities, or projects.
• Initiatives or organisations promoting fighting.
• Any activities or projects that could be considered harmful to the environment, that may contribute to climate change or have significant carbon emissions.
• The purchase or maintenance of vehicles or other machinery/equipment which have high carbon emissions.
• Ongoing operational costs including rent, salaries and wages, utilities, uniforms, fuel costs, office supplies.
• Materials reasonably expected to be provided in usual subscription costs including uniforms, balls, sporting equipment etc.
• Marketing, advertising and promotion of messages (including signage).
• Travel for groups or individuals.
• Fundraising costs.
• Debt repayment or refinancing of existing debt.
• Funding for land purchase.
• After-school programmes.
• Projects that aren’t expected to be completed within six months of funding being received.

MainPower will not make contributions to large-scale projects through this fund; e.g. moving locations or building new premises. If you are seeking funding for a large-scale project, please submit a sponsorship application via info@mainpower.co.nz or through the general enquiry form on the MainPower website.

The MainPower Community Fund is designed to distribute $40,000 twice a year into the local community to support not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and schools doing great things in our region.  

Payments made through this fund can vary, generally from $50 to $5,000 per organisation.  

The applications will be put towards the committee of MainPower representatives for their recommendations and input. 

Recommendations will then be submitted to the MainPower Executive Team for approval.  

Successful groups are eligible to reapply for the fund once per calendar year.

This is so we can make sure the funds are being evenly distributed around the region and on varying projects.  

For example, if a community group or school applies for Round 1 2025 or Round 2 2025 and is successful, they would not be eligible to apply again until Round 1 2026.

MainPower supports a range of activities that benefit North Canterbury. We have a particular focus on activities that support our region’s youth, economic development, environmental sustainability, and projects related to energy efficiency.

For more information on sponsorships that will not be considered by MainPower, please see our Community Fund Terms and Conditions.

Once the funding round is closed, we aim to advise all applicants of the outcome and make payments within eight weeks.

Any resident of North Canterbury (that is, customers of MainPower) or representatives of the not-for-profit organisation being nominated.

We only accept applications from not-for-profit organisations. These include: 

• an incorporated society, association, or organisation that is not carried on for the purpose of providing profits or gains to any member or shareholder
• an entity registered under the Charities Act 2005
• a not-for-profit educational institution or body.

Funding requests must be for:

• causes/events happening within seven months of the fund closing (or six months from the funds being received)
• projects where the benefit is in our funding regions (Waimakariri, Kaikōura, Kainga/Stewarts Gully and Hurunui).