Most sport and recreation clubs in Aotearoa New Zealand rely on volunteers and limited funding. To run special projects or grow your club, you may need to raise extra money through fundraising, grants, or sponsorship.

This page covers the main ways to raise funds, how to plan your approach, and where to find official resources. 

Why clubs fundraise

Fundraising should support special activities, not everyday running costs. Examples include:

• building new facilities
• hosting events or tournaments
• sending teams overseas
• launching new programmes

Types of revenue generation

There are 3 main ways clubs raise money:

• Fundraising – community-led activities like raffles or events
• Grants – funding from government, charities or trusts
• Sponsorship – partnerships with businesses that offer money or services in exchange for promotion

Create a fundraising policy

Before you start, your club should have a clear fundraising policy. This should outline:

• what you’re fundraising for
• how funds will be managed 
• how sponsors will be recognised

Appoint a fundraising coordinator

A dedicated coordinator helps keep fundraising focused and effective. Their role includes:

• identifying which projects need funding 
• developing a fundraising plan
• finding potential sponsors or grant providers
• writing applications or proposals
• ensuring funds are used as intended
• maintaining relationships with donors and sponsors

Fundraising activities

Fundraising can be rewarding but also time-consuming. Popular options include:

• raffles
• stalls
• quiz nights
• community events

Fundraising is not easy and it’s not fair for one person to bear the burden of it.To share the workload, form a fundraising committee. Meet regularly, assign tasks, and track progress.

Ten principles for successful fundraising

Be clear about your goals

1. Know your audience
2. Offer value in return
3. Keep it legal and ethical
4. Be transparent with money
5. Say thank you
6. Promote your activities well
7. Track what works
8. Build long-term relationships
9. Celebrate success

Applying for grants

Grants come from organisations that support community development, wellbeing, or sport. In New Zealand, common sources include:

• Lottery Grants Board
• Gaming machine trusts (e.g. pub charities)

Each grant has its own criteria. You must follow the application process carefully and provide all required information.

Tips for successful grant applications

• Read the eligibility criteria thoroughly
• Provide clear budgets and outcomes
• Align your project with the funder’s goals
• Submit before the deadline
• Keep copies of everything

Getting sponsorship

Sponsorship is a partnership. A business provides money, services or resources in exchange for promotion. This could include:

• logos on uniforms or equipment
• signage at your venue
• mentions in newsletters or social media

A good sponsor adds more than just money—they can help promote your club and build your reputation.

Use these tools

https://sportnz.org.nz/resources/fundraising-and-sponsorship/

Online fundraising

Digital tools make it easier to reach more people. Options include:

• crowdfunding platforms
• online auctions
• merchandise sales

These can be cost-effective and quick to set up, but still need planning and promotion.

Useful resources

• https://sportnz.org.nz/resources/fundraising-and-sponsorship/ – includes sample agreements, coordinator job descriptions and fundraising ideas
• https://community.net.nz/resources/grant-seeking-fact-sheet/ – grant-seeking fact sheets and examples
• https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding

Next steps

• Review your club’s fundraising policy
• Appoint a coordinator or form a committee
• Choose the right mix of fundraising, grants and sponsorship
• Use official templates and resources
• Track your progress and celebrate success