Queenstown Airport's ZQN Community Fund opens for 2026 applications

Community organisations across the Southern Lakes region are invited to apply for grants as the ZQN Community Fund opens its 2026 funding round.

Applications open on 2 March 2026 and close on 7 April 2026, with grants available to support projects that benefit the communities of Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago.

The fund reflects the airport’s long-term commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates and aligns with its broader sustainability objectives. 

"As a key gateway to our region, we recognise our responsibility to give back and support the communities that support us," said Vanessa Hartnell, Partnerships and Marketing Manager, Queenstown Airport.

“The ZQN Community Fund extends our support for local grassroots organisations that are doing important work on the ground, strengthening social and community outcomes across the district.”

The fund is delivered in partnership with 45South Community Foundation, which manages the funding and granting process.
 
Grants from last year’s funding round were used to support a variety of programmes, with a focus on youth, disability, and community wellbeing. The fund supported youth trusts, gear grab bags for Frankton Fire Brigade, a trailer to assist Friends of Bullock Creek with planting, weeding and mulching work, a youth camp for MINT charitable trust, Central Journeys' outdoor adventures for teenage girls, a contribution to a new playground for Mount Aspiring College, and butchering costs for game hunted by members of the Deerstalkers Association Southern Branch to be processed and donated to the community through KiwiHarvest.

The Community Fund is open to charitable organisations working within the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago districts. Priority will be given to initiatives that support community wellbeing, youth, environmental sustainability, and resilience and particularly projects that respond to local needs and have a clear community impact.

The fund has a total of $50,000 to distribute and grants are made between $1000 and $5000.   

More information is available at the Queenstown Airport website here:
https://www.queenstownairport.co.nz/community-fund