Community funding

MainPower values its relationship with the Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura 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:

• Individuals projects (because it is not possible to support everyone equitably).
• Retrospective applications (projects that are already completed or have costs committed before application).
• Marketing and promotion of messages to either targeted groups or the community as a whole.
• Projects where the benefit is outside our funding regions, which cover Kaikōura, Hurunui, and Waimakariri.
• Projects that are, or are likely to be, highly socially divisive – for example, organisations applying to fund projects that are political or religious in nature.
• Projects that have no community involvement and support.
• Funding for land purchase.
• Debt repayment or refinancing of existing debt.
• Directly funded scholarships for individuals.
• Travel for groups or individuals.
• Fundraising costs.
• Political parties or groups aligned with political parties.
• Religious groups/organisations or their events, activities, or projects.
• Local government or central government departments for activities that could primarily be deemed to be their responsibility.
• After-school programmes.

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 March 2025 and is successful, they would not be eligible to apply again until March 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, and Hurunui).