Gaming trust grants (how they work)

Around $290 million a year is distributed by pub and hotel gaming societies, making this the largest source of community funding in the country. Marae are eligible. Funds are ring-fenced to the area they were raised in, so which trusts you can approach depends on where you are.

Closes

Most gaming trusts accept applications year-round

Who can apply

Incorporated not-for-profits: incorporated societies, charitable trusts, or bodies incorporated under an Act of Parliament. Marae supply the Gazette Notice or Vesting Order plus Charities Services registration. Most trusts expect at least one full financial year since incorporation.

Amount

Varies widely by trust and project

Funding route

Grant

Applicants

Marae & hapū, Community groups, Iwi & Māori organisations, Organisations & providers

Before you apply

Gaming trust funds are ring-fenced to the area where the money was raised. Check there is a venue of that trust near you before applying — proximity to a venue matters more than the merit of the project. Marae applying to a gaming trust generally need to supply the Gazette Notice or Vesting Order, which covers incorporation, plus Charities Services registration. Most trusts also expect an organisation to have been incorporated for at least one full financial year before applying. The linked site, Granted, is run by the Department of Internal Affairs. It has a map to find the societies operating near you, and information on applying for pokie grants. Grant funds can only be spent on the approved purpose — if plans change, contact the society or return the funds.

Official source →

Checked 12 October 2026

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Details change without notice. Check the funder's own page before you apply. Tōku Waka does not administer, assess or award this funding.