Making a difference for our communities
We're excited to be able to contribute financially to a range of community initiatives through our Christchurch Airport Community Fund.
How does it work?
We are a large organisation, but what we do is about much more than us. The communities we serve are top of mind in what we do as overt cheerleaders for the city, region and South Island.
When we support an organisation, event or group, we look for direct benefit to its community members.
Our Community Fund is focused on:
- sustainability – looking after our place (we're considered world class in our sustainability endeavours and successes),
- safety and wellbeing – looking after our communities, and
- innovation – we're not scared to think ‘out of the box’ about something and make a plan to deliver it.
When we assess applications, we look for reflection of the three focus points above. We don’t simply fund running costs or wages, but want to make things happen which make a difference in one of these three areas.
The Community Fund is a combination of Christchurch Airport’s financial contribution and donations collected in wishing wells around the airport. Sometimes we convert a dozen or more currencies!
Please note it would be rare to offer a donation to an organisation which has received one within the previous five years.
Applications closed
Applications for the last round closed at midday 6 March 2025 and are now being considered. Community Fund recipients will be announced here as soon as possible, as will dates for the next round.
How to apply for future funding rounds
No dates have been set yet for applications for 2025/26 to be received or considered – please check back here again towards the end of April.
Our latest recipients
The latest round of applications for our Community Fund 2024/2025 inspired us with their examples of wonderful community conscience and projects, alongside volunteer work to benefit others.
After much deliberation, the following recipients have been chosen:
| Kairos Food Rescue | Funding to install prefabs for hosting meetings with partner organisations, improving collaboration and coordination in redistributing surplus food to food-insecure families and reducing food waste. |
| Avonhead Community Trust | Avonhead Community Trust’s Boys Skills Club supports boys at Russley School who struggle academically or socially, helping them learn practical skills, teamwork, and positive values. |
| The White Room Creative Space (SPAN Charitable Trust / SkillWise) | The White Room Creative Space removes barriers for people with learning difficulties to participate in the arts. The programme supports over 60 artists weekly with materials, professional support, and a safe, inclusive space. |
| 38 Squadron Air Training Corps – Wigram | Funding for VHF radios and headlamps to improve cadet safety and communication during remote training camps. The equipment will support cadet development, leadership skills, and ensure well-managed outdoor activities. |
| Neighbourhood Trust | Funding to install an irrigation system in Mairehau Neighbourhood Garden. The project increases food production, supports the local foodbank, and enhances food security, education, and wellbeing in the community. |
| Yaldhurst School Tōtara Tūkaha PTA | Funding to resurface school pool and install shade sails, ensuring it remains a safe recreational space accessible to students and the wider community during summer holidays. |
| Orange Sky Aotearoa | Funding to establish a new laundry and shower shift in New Brighton, providing essential hygiene services to those experiencing homelessness. The initiative fosters dignity, safety, and positive social connections. |
| Burwood Hospital | Burwood Hospital's courtyard redevelopment will create a therapeutic garden, improving recovery, wellbeing, and rehabilitation outcomes, especially for dementia patients. |
| Oak Development Trust | Funding for tools to launch Riccarton Tool Shed, providing affordable tool access for low-income families and fostering sustainable DIY projects and community engagement. |
| Lincoln Scout Group | Funding for litter pickers and bag holders to assist scouts, cubs, and keas with local environmental clean-ups, benefitting the local community and public spaces. |
| Canterbury Blue Light | Funding to run BBQs in schools, allowing police volunteers to build positive relationships with primary students. The initiative reduces barriers between police and the community, decreasing youth crime risk and fostering trust. |
| Lions Club of Christchurch South | Support for local initiatives, including sending children with cancer to Camp Quality and providing tickets to their Magic Show, fostering community wellbeing and inclusion. |
| Diamond Harbour Youth and Community Trust | Diamond Harbour Youth and Community Trust operates a school breakfast club, offering nutritious breakfasts to promote attendance, engagement, and student wellbeing. Students also help prepare food, fostering responsibility and community participation. |
| YSAR (Youth Search and Rescue) Trust | Funding for GPS devices, enhancing youth search and rescue training. The programme develops students' safety skills, resilience, and leadership, building a highly skilled volunteer force. |
| PILLAIYAR KOVIL TRUST (Christchurch Hindu Temple) | Support for developing community gardens, native forests, and wellness spaces at Christchurch Hindu Temple. The project promotes sustainability, cultural connection, and health through shared gardens, meditation, and yoga spaces. |
| Canterbury Astronomical Society | Funding for new equipment to support children, special needs, and underprivileged youth education programmes, promoting science literacy and inclusivity. |
| Youth SouthWest Christchurch Trust (YSWC) | Supports diverse youth in Hornby and Selwyn by fostering leadership, resilience, and positive community connections. The initiative helps young people navigate life challenges, build leadership skills, and strengthen their sense of belonging within their schools and wider communities. |
| The National Foundation for The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Manatopu Incorporated | Funding to distribute 100 Sound Monkey Devices to preschools and kindergartens in Christchurch. The programme educates young tamariki on the importance of safe listening and awareness of noise levels, preventing future hearing issues. |