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Andrew & Sharon Welch Fund

The purpose of the Andrew & Sharon Welch Fund is to support people pursuing opportunities in drama, music, and the visual arts.

Andrew & Sharon Welch Fund

A total of $8,500 is available for distribution in 2026. The number and value of scholarships awarded will be determined based on the applications received.

The Andrew & Sharon Welch Fund was established to support individuals within Rotorua and Taupō Districts to pursue opportunities in drama, music and the visual arts.

Criteria for applicants

  • Applicants must reside or have connections to the Rotorua and Taupō Districts.
  • Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

 

Funds must be used to support training, education and professional development opportunities in drama, music, and the visual arts. Examples include:

  • Tuition or lessons
  • Course fees
  • Workshops, classes and training programmes
  • Participation in performances, exhibitions, competitions or festivals
  • Audition, entry or participation fees associated with artistic opportunities

Funds must be spent in New Zealand. If you are seeking funding for an overseas project all costs must be paid for in New Zealand via New Zealand-based travel providers, organisations, or agencies that are arranging and/or can verify eligible costs associated with an approved opportunity.

Urgent or retrospective applications
Events and costs must not commence or be incurred before funding decisions are made in August/September 2026.
If your event or costs is due to start around the funding decision dates, please contact us before submitting an application.

Before You Apply

Read the information above to ensure you meet the required criteria.

Please ensure you have the following information available before starting your application:

  • Purpose of your application
  • Proof or verification of your/your organisation’s bank account details.
  • Details of project/costs applicable to your application (quotes or budgets may be requested if required)
  • Any additional supplementary information you would like considered as part of your application.

Applicants will be asked to upload supporting documentation as part of the application process.

To Apply

Applications now go through our new online grants portal, making it easier to save and manage your applications all in one place. Please click on ‘Apply Now’ at the top of this page to create an account. For new users, click on ‘Not a member?’ and follow the prompts.

Applications forms can be found under the ‘Funding Programs’ Tab – (2026 Scholarship Funding)

Note: You must answer every question to be able to save your application. If you do not
have all the information available, enter ‘placeholder text’ e.g. 0123 456 or Abcde.

Then you can save your application and continue to edit until ready to submit

Other important Information

  • Late applications will not be accepted.
  • Funds must be used for the charitable purpose for which they were gifted.
  • Successful applicants will be selected by the Geyser Community Foundation.  The decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.
  • Successful recipients may be required to be available for interviews and to participate in promotional activities agreed with the donors.  Information about the gifts and the way in which they have been spent may be used by the Geyser Community Foundation for promotional purposes.
  • Successful applicants are encouraged to acknowledge the Geyser Community Foundation in their promotional activities and on social media. #geysergifts
  • The gift may be revoked if the recipient’s behaviour is inappropriate or the recipient has breached conditions of the gift.
  • It is expected that the recipient will use the gift within 12 months of receipt.

Reporting

The successful applicants will be required to provide a written report about how they spent
the grant and outline the impact it has made on their lives. Report must be received by the
Geyser Community Foundation within six months of receiving the grant or otherwise
stated.

Important Dates

Applications open: 1 June 2026
Applications close: Midnight 30 June 2026
Review and decision-making: July / August
Notification of decisions: August / September
Celebration of Giving Awards: Taupo 22 September 2026 & Rotorua 24 September 2026
Grant Payment: 20 September 2026
Round Table Reporting: June 2027 (Date TBC)
Accountability Reports: 31 March 2027

For queries regarding your application please contact our Community Engagement Officer,
Leanne Rankin leanne@geysercf.org.nz