Skeggs Foundation

Since 1993, the Skeggs Foundation has been supporting aspiring elite athletes to represent Otago and New Zealand.  Twice a year, the Foundation gives grants to young sportspeople to help them be the pride of Otago and New Zealand. From 2023, The Foundation has put a stronger focus on making a difference to athletes who are performing at higher levels of their sport, with greater emphasis on involvement in national age group and senior representation. 

When deciding who recieves grants, the Skeggs Trustees will put more emphasis on what progress athletes are making. The intention is to assist athletes to achieve their highest potential, rather than be a source of regular funding for ongoing regional representation.​​​​​​​ These changes reflect the changing nature of sport, and the ability of the Foundation to raise funds used for grants.

Funding Rounds

March Funding Round

1st February - 20th March 5:00pm

September Funding Round

1st August - 20th September 5:00pm

Please note late applications will not be considered.

​​​​​​​Athletes Fund

The Foundation will prioritise making grants to athletes that are in recognised national representation programmes and pathways. This does not mean that applicants must be a current New Zealand representative, but they should be able to demonstrate that they are considered as someone with the potential to do so by their sporting body.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Living in Otago, which includes Dunedin, Queenstown Lakes Districts, Central Otago, Waitaki, and Clutha.
  • Be available for selection into Otago teams or squads; unless this would conflict with National selection.

NOTE: 

With the new funding structure the International Competition Grant has been discountinued and is no longer offered.

Athletes who receive TAPS funding are not eligible to apply.

Successful applicants who are holders of a Skeggs Fuel Card will receive additional funding to recognise their support of the Foundation.

​​​​​​​If you want to enquire about your eligibility to apply, contact our Grants Coordinator on 027 226 2453 or by email: skeggs@sportotago.co.nz. 

Coaches and Officials Fund

The Otago Community Trust (OCT) invests in sports coaches and officials so they can improve the lives of the young people of Otago. By helping those who make sport happen to develop and grow, they ensure our young people will have the best opportunities to achieve their full potential. For both coaches and officials, these grants are made to improve the lives of young people through involvement in sport. 

Sports Coach eligibility:

  • Coaching young athletes of Otago at a representative level.
  • Undertaking some form of self improvement or education that will make them a better coach.

Sports official eligibility:

  • Officiating youth sport at a representative level.
  • Undertaking some form of self improvement or education that will make them a better official.

NOTE:​​​​​​​ Applicants must reside within the boundaries of the Otago Community Trust area; this DOES NOT include Queenstown.

​​​​​​​If you want to enquire about your eligibility to apply, contact our Grants Coordinator on 027 226 2453 or by email: skeggs@sportotago.co.nz. 

​​​​​​​Skeggs Fuel Cards

When you choose to use a Skeggs Foundation brand fuel card you contribute to the work of the Foundation at no cost to yourself, and you enjoy a range of benefits including:

  • Competitive discounts on fuel purchases
  • Options for urban and rural users
  • Discounts at selected retailers
  • Up to 14 days interest free credit
  • Options for individuals and businesses

​​​​​​​While it is not a requirement to have a Skeggs Fuel Card to apply for a grant those who use a Skeggs Card will be approved at a higher level of support than those that do not.