Earlier this year DIA announced changes to the structure of lottery distribution committees from 1 July 2026.

Existing commitments will continue to be supported, subject to formal approval under the new committee structure. All current multi-year grant recipients will be contacted by DIA with information about this.

We now have information on some of the changes:

Funding Rounds

There will be four funding rounds per year for the next two years, while the new structure is embedded.

Application forms will be available to access via the Community Matters online system for Round 1 from 22 July – 18 August 2026. Funding decisions for this funding round will be advised in mid-late November.

Legal Structure

While most previously eligible organisations can apply under the new structure, some will not meet the updated eligibility criteria, including those that are not legal entities. These organisations may still be able to access funding through a fund holder – a legal entity that applies for and manages funding on their behalf. Organisations can also collaborate, with one legal entity applying for funding for the group.

Distribution Committees

Across all lottery funding applications, distribution committees must have regard to the needs of Māori, and as appropriate, have regard to the needs of older people, Pacific people and other ethnic communities, women, youth and people with disabilities.

What will be Funded

The categories that are excluded from lotteries funding, have not changed. This list was agreed by the Lotteries Grants Board in 2024. The exclusions list is on their website: Lottery Grants Board does not fund

Applicants will apply for one of these funding types:

• Operational costs for community support services (including multi-year grants)
• Community projects
• Community facilities
• Equipment for people with disabilities

Projects, initiatives or activities will need to demonstrate how they will build strong, sustainable communities, in one or more of these five areas:

• Community self-reliance, capacity building, and stability
• Opportunities for social, recreational, civil, or cultural participation and reducing or overcoming barriers to such participation
• Community and environmental health
• Development and preservation of New Zealand’s arts, culture, heritage, and national identity, or
• Sports and recreation

There is more information on the Community Matters website, including more detailed information about funding for building strong sustainable communities, funding types and funding round dates for 2026/27.