A range of agencies have teamed up to establish The Funding Series, designed to strengthen the capability of non-profit organisations and support sustainable funding strategies.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Huddl, Three Lakes Cultural Trust, Sport Otago, and the Conservation Alliance have joined forces on the initiative.

Funding and fundraising are significant pressure points for many local organisations, Huddl project lead Fiona Reeve said.

"Huddl's 2024 Community Needs Assessment survey found that over 70 percent of local non-profits surveyed indicated they were facing challenges within their organisations, with funding being a key issue,” Fiona said.

“We wanted to find practical ways to support groups with tools and a framework to help set them up for long-term success.”

The groups have created the free, four-part series designed to cover ‘all things funding and fundraising’.

The first event, Funding Fundamentals, will take place on Tuesday March 25.

The two and a half hour session will provide a practical plan for identifying funding sources and the tools needed to pursue funding and grant fund raising.

Further sessions will include Philanthropic Funding, Building Good Partnerships: Corporates and Non-Profits Working Together, and Funding in Practice - with more details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

QLDC community services general manager Kenneth Bailey said the agencies behind The Funding Series are able to maximise resources and build on existing funding capabilities by working together.

“Sustainable funding is crucial for long-term impact, and we are pleased to support a programme that equips local groups with the skills and knowledge to thrive,” he said.

The Funding Series is open to any individuals, groups, and organisations who rely on funding or fundraising to support their operations, project or event. 

Find more information and get tickets here.