*** April 2025 Update
In 2024, Environment Southland partnered with Strategic Grants to allow community groups in Southland free access to the GEM Local grants calendar.
As this access has now ended, Strategic Grants is interested to hear from other organisations in Southland who may consider funding this program to be able to continue to provide this service to the community.
Alternatively, there is the option for local community groups to continue the subscription. Contact Strategic Grants at [email protected] if you would like to do this.
If you are interested in either of these options, please get in touch wit Strategic Grants through [email protected] for more information.
Environment Southland has partnered with Strategic Grants to provide community groups with free access to GEM Local. GEM Local (Grants Expertise Management system) is a grants database designed to help New Zealand community groups find the right grants for them. This helps you with relevant grant opportunities, grant preparation tools and training. The aim is to build your capacity and increase your access to funding.
Who is eligible?
Any community group interested in accessing GEM Local or the monthly grants calendar can register their interest.
To access the scheme, community groups must meet ALL the following eligibility criteria:
- Must be non-profit
- Must have annual revenue under $1.5M
- Must deliver projects that benefit the community of Southland and be located within the Environment Southland council area
- Must complete a short participation survey annually
Free access is provided for 12 months, and renewal is dependent on Council's continued support for the scheme and your ongoing use of it.
What if you are NOT a legal entity?
Being a legal entity (e.g. a Charitable Trust or an Incorporated Society) and a registered charity is NOT a requirement to access the scheme. However, please be aware that some funders will require this status, before you can make a funding application to them.
What are the benefits of GEM Local?
GEM Local is a grants database designed specifically to help New Zealand community organisations and small non-profits find the right grants for them.
This easy-to-use tool provides:
- An always current customised grants calendar finding JUST the grants relevant to your organisation, according to what you do, where you do it and your legal status
- Full access to all New Zealand grant and funder records in your personalised Grants Calendar, including trusts and foundations, corporate and community foundations, local council, government grants, gaming trusts and lottery grants
- Ability to track progress of your applications including when funder reports are due
- Additional email alerts on deadlines
- Cloud-based software accessible from anywhere
- Practical tip sheets, training videos and writing samples