In April 2026, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) announced changes to the structure of lottery distribution committees from 1 July 2026. We can now share new information about the Lottery fund and application process.
New Name
All disestablished Lottery funds now fall under one fund called the Lottery Fund.
Distribution Committees
Lottery grants will contribute towards the Board’s vision of New Zealanders building strong sustainable communities together.
To achieve this goal, across all Lottery funding applications, the regional and national distribution committees must have regard to the needs of Māori and as appropriate, older people, Pacific people and other ethnic communities, women, youth, and people with disabilities.
Fund Eligibility
Not-for-profit organisations with legal entity status, including limited liability bodies registered with Charities Services are eligible to apply.
Unregistered or informal groups (non- legal entities) with no bank account or governance structure in place, may be eligible to apply for grants under $10,000 but cannot apply outright. Instead, funding can only be accessed in 2 ways:
- Through a fund holder (a legal entity that applies for and manages funding on their behalf) or
- Organisations can collaborate with one legal entity applying for funding for the group.
Building strong, sustainable communities
Funding applications will need to show how the project, initiative or activity will support building strong, sustainable communities, in one or more of the following 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
Descriptors of inclusions under each of the five categories are on the website: Lottery Fund
What Can You Apply For?
The list of exclusions, things Lotteries will not fund, has not changed. The list was agreed by the Lotteries Grants Board in 2024 and is accessible on the website: Lottery Grants Board does not fund.
Applications for funding can only be made through four application types
Each link above contains a description of the application type and detailed information including eligibility criteria, activities and services that cannot be funded and application requirements.
Applicants can choose only one of the four application types.
Multi-year Funding
Multi-year funding of up to 3 years is available for operational costs for community support services.
Funding Rounds
There are four funding rounds per year. No applications can be submitted during June and most of July.
Round 1 which opened on 22nd July will close on 18th of August. The full calendar is accessible on the website: Funding calendar
Due to the dates of these new rounds, it is recommended that existing grantees talk to a DIA Community Advisor to confirm which appropriate round is appropriate for their next application.
Final Thoughts
As a first step to familiarising yourselves with these changes, for-purpose organisations may wish to view an introductory video. The video includes some examples of how organisations and activities fit within the new application process and can be accessed via the website: Lottery Grants Funding From 1 July 2026
The significant changes to the Lottery committee structure and application process will naturally raise questions. Previous and first-time applicants are strongly advised to talk to a DIA Community Advisor to receive the specific guidance you require.
Being well informed will help your organisation navigate these Lottery fund changes and shape your funding strategies so you can continue providing positive impact within your communities.
If you would like to speak to us about your grants programme and the support we can offer your organisation with our range of consultancy services, please do get in touch with our New Zealand team.