Donate Now

Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Scholarship

The purpose of the Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Scholarship is to encourage young musicians to pursue their interest and enjoyment in music performance, both vocal and instrumental, and to help them reach their potential. The focus is on classical music.

Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Scholarship

Applications open 1 June and close midnight 30 June.

Up to SIX Scholarships with a value of $500 each will be available in 2026.

The purpose of the Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Scholarship is to encourage young musicians to pursue their interest and enjoyment in music performance, both vocal and instrumental, and to help them reach their potential. The focus is on classical music.

Criteria for applicants

  • Applicants must be aged between 10 and 18 years of age as at 1 January of the year in which application is made and currently reside in the Rotorua or Taupō District communities
  • Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

 

Funds are to be used to support the development of an applicant’s musical skills. Examples include:

  • Instrument costs (purchase or repair)
  • Tuition
  • Exam fees
  • Costs associated with attending music camps

 

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

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

  • Download the ‘Additional Requirements’ document HERE to complete and upload with your online application
  • Have TWO referee contacts
  • Proof or verification of your organisation’s bank account details.
  • 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 the 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 enter placeholder text e.g. 123 or ABC.
Then you can save your application and continue to edit until ready to submit

Other important Information

  • Late applications will not be accepted.
  • Donations 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
  • Scholarship certificates will be presented to the successful applicants at the Gift of Music Concert, to be held at Western Heights High School, in September each year. Successful applicants may also be invited to perform at this concert.
  • Successful applicants may also be invited to perform at special awards functions to be held in Rotorua and Taupō.
  • 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 grants and outline the impact it has made on their lives.  Reports must be received by the Geyser Community Foundation within six months of receiving the grant.

 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: Taupō 22 September 2026 & Rotorua 24 September 2026
Grant Payment: 20 September 2026
Accountability Reports: 31 March 2027

 

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