OUR COMMUNITY
Apply for
sponsorship
Pictured: Callum Sebualala | Motueka Waka Ama | NBS community banking client
We believe. We invest.
When you choose to bank with NBS, you choose to give back to the community.
NBS supports over 300 not-for-profit organisations each year and has invested over $8 million into our unique communities over the last decade. We can do this, thanks to the 21,000+ clients who bank with us. We invest to make a real difference in our communities, helping hundreds of not-for-profit groups with sponsorship and grants to supporting sports, arts, educational, environmental and charitable organisations.
1. Read the community investment and funding guidelines to find out if you are eligible to apply.
2. Complete the relevant online application form (over or under $2,500) and submit your application.
3. We'll review your application and let you know the outcome as per the date listed below.
Our funding rounds
On 1 April 2026 we introduced funding rounds. Please click to learn more about the key dates relating to each funding round, including when to make your application and when you can expect to hear back from us with an outcome.
2026
Applications open Friday 1 April
Applications close Sunday 17 May
Outcomes notified early June
2026
Applications open Wednesday 1 July
Applications close Sunday 16 August
Outcomes notified early September
2026
Applications open Thursday 1 October
Applications close Sunday 15 November
Outcomes notified early December
Ready to make an application?
If you have read our guidelines and would like to apply for sponsorship, please complete the appropriate application form below.

Our funding pillars
Strong communities matter to us. We help local organisations thrive by backing local initiatives that build wellbeing and inclusion. Our community funding approach and three pillars of focus are designed to:
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Support the communities we serve today and where we plan to grow
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Create meaningful impact, especially in financial wellbeing, inclusion and youth
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Be clear, fair and easy for applicants and our teams
- Strengthen relationships, trust and our local presence
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Wellbeing and inclusion |
Community connection and belonging |
Resilience and sustainability |
All funding must align to at least one of our three pillars. You can read more about these pillars below, with examples of the types of projects that fit into each pillar. When making your application, please include which pillar and focus area best aligns with the purpose that your group or organisation is seeking funding for.
- Wellbeing and inclusion
- Community connection and belonging
- Resilience and sustainability
Helping people access the essentials that support a good life, increase financial confidence and remove barriers that prevent them from participating in their community. This could look like:
- Financial wellbeing support – money confidence, financial literacy, budgeting help, access to essential services
- Inclusion and access – removing financial, social or physical barriers (subs, equipment, transport aid)
- Youth wellbeing – programmes that build confidence, resilience and life skills for young people
- Care and support services – essential care, comfort and practical help for people and whānau facing illness, hardship or life challenges
Helping people feel included, valued and connected through events, activities and programmes that strengthen relationships and community participation. This could look like:
- Local events and activities – festivals, cultural celebrations, neighbourhood gatherings
- Sports and recreation participation – inclusive access to community sport and active recreation
- Arts, culture and creativity – programmes that celebrate culture, diversity and creative expression
- Grassroots connection – groups and spaces that build friendships, reduce isolation and support community life
Strengthening long‑term community resilience by caring for the environment, building capability and supporting local economic and environmental wellbeing. This could look like:
- Sustainability – biodiversity, restoration, waste reduction, sustainable transport, food resilience
- Community resilience – preparedness, capability, safety and long‑term wellbeing
- Business and economic participation – support for local economic ecosystems, business networks and regional development
- Sustainable community spaces – places and initiatives that support environmental stewardship and future community needs
Our funding recipients
At the end of each funding round, we'll share the names of the groups and organisations that have received funding from NBS. We're proud to support hundreds of community causes each year, across the regions we operate in.
This will be announced soon.
FAQs
You can have one successful community funding application per financial year. If you're unsuccessful in one funding round, you're welcome to apply again in subsequent funding rounds.
Yes, the amount awarded is GST included. This means when you are making an application, please share the total dollar figure required and add 15%.
Please get in touch with your local NBS branch if you have any questions about your application.
We’ll be in touch with the outcome of your application based on the notification dates for each round.