Making a difference for our communities
We're excited to be able to contribute financially to a range of community initiatives through our Christchurch Airport Community Fund.
How does it work?
We are a large organisation, but what we do is about much more than us. The communities we serve are top of mind in what we do as overt cheerleaders for the city, region and South Island.
When we support an organisation, event or group, we look for direct benefit to its community members.
Our Community Fund is focused on:
- sustainability – looking after our place (we're considered world class in our sustainability endeavours and successes),
- safety and wellbeing – looking after our communities, and
- innovation – we're not scared to think ‘out of the box’ about something and make a plan to deliver it.
When we assess applications, we look for reflection of the three focus points above. We don’t simply fund running costs or wages, but want to make things happen which make a difference in one of these three areas.
The Community Fund is a combination of Christchurch Airport’s financial contribution and donations collected in wishing wells around the airport. Sometimes we convert a dozen or more currencies!
Please note it would be rare to offer a donation to an organisation which has received one within the previous five years.
Applications are now open for 2026-2027.
Applications are open, fill out a community fund application here. Applications close on Wednesday 31 March 2027.
Our latest recipients
The latest round of applications for our Community Fund 2025/2026 inspired us with their examples of wonderful community conscience and projects, alongside volunteer work to benefit others.
After much deliberation, the following recipients have been chosen:
| Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust | Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust protects and restores native biodiversity, working with landowners and communities to strengthen habitats, manage pests, and support thriving ecosystems. |
| Bishopdale Community Preschool | Bishopdale Community Preschool provides affordable, flexible early childhood education and care, creating a warm, inclusive environment where tamariki can learn, play and thrive. |
| CDN Trust | CDN Trust supports young people across Ōtautahi through camps, youth groups, mentoring and community programmes that build confidence, resilience and positive connections. |
| Cholmondeley Children's Centre | Cholmondeley Children’s Centre provides planned and emergency respite care for Canterbury tamariki aged five to 12, supporting whānau during times of stress or crisis. |
| Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO) | Christchurch Symphony Orchestra brings live orchestral music to communities across Canterbury through performances, education programmes and accessible opportunities to experience and participate in music. |
| Christchurch Women's Centre | Christchurch Women’s Centre provides accessible counselling, workshops and support programmes that strengthen women’s wellbeing, confidence, connection and sense of belonging. |
| Clothed in Love | Clothed in Love supports families in need by providing free packs of quality new and pre-loved clothing and books for children. |
| EVolocity Charitable Trust | EVolocity inspires rangatahi into sustainable engineering through hands-on electric vehicle projects, mentorship and competitions that build practical skills and future-focused career pathways. |
| Green Effect Trust/Trees For Canterbury | Green Effect Trust, operating as Trees for Canterbury, grows native plants, supports community planting and environmental education, and provides inclusive training and volunteering opportunities. |
| Kōrero ki Ōtautahi Charitable Trust | Kōrero ki Ōtautahi supports te reo Māori speakers and learners through events, wānaka and social gatherings that help normalise and celebrate the language across Ōtautahi. |
| Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust | Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust provides specialist rehabilitation, assessment and residential services, helping people achieve independence, inclusion and quality of life after complex injuries. |
| Living Springs Trust | Living Springs Trust provides camps, outdoor education and community programmes that help people connect with nature, build confidence and grow stronger together. |
| Move Ōtautahu Inc | MOVE Ōtautahi provides inclusive dance, circus and acrobatics classes, workshops and development opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and experience levels. |
| Seabrook McKenzie Trust | Seabrook McKenzie Trust provides specialist assessments, tuition and educational support for people with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities. |
| Springston School | Springston School provides quality education for Year 1 to 8 learners, fostering excellence, character, belonging and strong connections within its close-knit community. |
| Stepping Stone Trust | Stepping Stone Trust provides residential and community-based mental health support, helping adults, young people and whānau build independence, wellbeing, hope and connection. |
| Complex Chronic Illness Support Incorporated | Complex Chronic Illness Support provides advocacy, guidance and community connection for people and whānau living with ME/CFS, Long COVID, fibromyalgia and related conditions. |
| Delta Community Support Trust | Delta Community Support Trust supports vulnerable people through affordable meals, practical assistance and programmes for older adults, disabled people and families experiencing hardship. |
| Menz Shed of Kaiapoi Inc | Menz Shed of Kaiapoi provides a welcoming space for people to connect, share practical skills, work on projects and support community wellbeing. |
| Seed the Change He Kākano Hāpai | Seed the Change He Kākano Hāpai nurtures emerging changemakers and early-stage initiatives working towards a more sustainable, equitable and connected future. |
| Styx Living Laboratory Trust – Pūharakekenui | Styx Living Laboratory Trust restores the Pūharakekenui Styx River catchment through ecological restoration, research, education and community involvement, protecting its biodiversity for future generations. |
| Te Ara Tīrama Charitable Trust | Te Ara Tīrama empowers rangatahi to build confidence, collaborate with others and create positive change through community projects, learning resources and leadership opportunities. |
| Te Tahi Youth | Te Tahi Youth provides free medical, mental health, wellbeing, youth work and employment support, helping rangatahi navigate challenges and build positive futures. |