Changes to Lottery Funding

Created: July 2, 2026 at 1:27 PM | Updated: July 2, 2026 | By NZ Navigator Trust

Hāpai Hapori Community Matters have announced changes to the way lottery funding is applied for in the future.

This follows on from changes that the Minister of Internal Affairs announced in April 2026. 

The government aim is to:

  • simplify the lottery funding system;
  • allow for more strategic funding decisions; and
  • make it easier to navigate the lottery system.

 

 

What you need to know:

  • Some previously eligible organisations will not meet the updated eligibility criteria of the new structure, including those that are not legal entities.
  • Organisations that are not legal entities may still be able to access funding through a fund holder – a legal entity that applies for and manages funding on their behalf.
  • Two or more organisations can also collaborate, with one legal entity applying for funding for the group.
  • Across all lottery funding applications, distribution committees must have regard to the needs of Māori, and as appropriate, have regard to the needs of older people, Pacific people and other ethnic communities, women, youth and people with disabilities.
  • Individuals with disabilities will be able to apply for funding for equipment that enables them to participate in and connect with their communities.
  • Existing commitments will continue to be supported, subject to formal approval under the new committee structure. (All current multi-year grants recipients will be contacted by DIA with information about this.)
  • The categories that are excluded from lotteries funding have not changed. This list was agreed by the Lotteries Grants Board in 2024 - the exclusions list is on their website.

Funding types

The Lottery Fund focus is on building strong sustainable communities and there are now four types of funding available.

Applicants will apply for one of these funding types:

  1. Operational costs for community support services (including multi-year grants)
  2. Community projects
  3. Community facilities
  4. Equipment for people with disabilities.

Funding for building strong, sustainable communities

Projects, initiative or activities will need to demonstrate how they will build strong, sustainable communities, in one or more of these five areas:

  • community self-reliance, capacity building, and stability
  • opportunities for social, recreational, civil, or cultural participation and reducing or overcoming barriers to such participation
  • community and environmental health
  • development and preservation of New Zealand’s arts, culture, heritage, and national identity, or
  • sports and recreation.

You can find more information on the Hāpai Hapori Community Matters website (https://www.communitymatters.govt.nz/lottery-fund), including more detailed information about funding for building strong sustainable communities, funding types and funding round dates for 2026/27.

Funding rounds

There will be four funding rounds per year for the next two years.

The funding round dates for 2026/27 can be found here.

Application forms will be available to access in the Hāpai Hapori Community Matters online system for Round 1 from 22 July to 18 August 2026.

Round 1 funding decisions will be advised in mid-late November 2026.