The Lion Foundation Grants

One of the broadest gaming trusts, splitting funding across sport, health, education and community — the last of which includes arts, heritage, culture and environment. Over $1.1 billion distributed since 1985.

Closes

Applications accepted year-round

Who can apply

Incorporated not-for-profit organisations. Marae provide the Gazette Notice or Vesting Order plus Charities Services registration. Organisations should have been incorporated for at least one full financial year. An umbrella or governance organisation can apply on behalf of a branch that would not otherwise qualify, at the Foundation’s discretion.

Amount

Varies by project

Funding route

Grant

Applicants

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

Before you apply

Around 90 percent of grant funds return to the community they were raised in. Check for a Lion Foundation venue within about 5km of your base before applying. Funding split is roughly sport 40 percent, community 30, health 15, education 15.

Official source →

Checked 16 September 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.