Wānaka Show gives back with new rural grants

The South Island's biggest A&P show is set to give back to the rural communities that it champions with a financial helping hand.

The Upper Clutha A&P Society, which runs the Wānaka A&P Show, is launching a new foundation and applications are open for its inaugural round of grants.

The Wānaka A&P Foundation has been established to provide support to individuals and organisations who are keen to pursue opportunities and develop projects that contribute to the health and future of the district’s rural community.

The Fleece Pavilion at the 2024 Wānaka Show (Image: Supplied).

Upper Clutha A&P Society board chair Keith Cooper says it is the society’s way of further contributing to a dynamic and thriving future for the Upper Clutha rural community.

“We’re building upon the strong rural traditions that are firmly in place while recognising the need and space for future thinking and community enrichment,” he says.

Two grants are on offer - one is for individual applicants and the other, for community groups and initiatives.

The Capability Development Grant is designed to support community members as they seek to develop and further leadership roles, be it in agricultural innovation, sustainability or future thinking. The Capability Development Grant offers support of up to $5,000 per application.

Meanwhile the Rural Development and Wellbeing Grant supports non-profit initiatives and community groups focussed on contributing to rural development and wellbeing, providing assistance of up to $10,000 per application. This includes projects that focus on sustainability, environmental responsibility and community wellbeing.  

Applications to the Wānaka A&P Foundation open on Sunday, September 1, and close on September 30 and are available to all Upper Clutha residents who meet the grant criteria.

Main image (Supplied): Our Place trade site at the 2024 Wānaka Show.