The Funding Series 2026
Practical workshops to strengthen your impact and secure your future.
Funding and fundraising can be one of the most challenging tasks for non-profits, charities, organisations, and arts practitioners. That is why we have partnered with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Three Lakes Cultural Trust, Sport Central and the Conservation Alliance to bring you The Funding Series.
Launched in 2025, this collaborative initiative provides FREE monthly workshops across Arrowtown, Queenstown and Wānaka. After a highly successful first year featuring several sold-out sessions, we are back for 2026 with a refreshed programme designed to support your long-term financial sustainability.
What’s New for 2026?
We’re kicking things off by bringing back Fi McPhee for our first session, 'Funding Fundamentals', the perfect entry point for those new to funding, boards, and volunteers, or as a refresher for those looking to hone their funding skills. From there, the rest of the programme features all-new sessions covering regional funding insights, impact measurement, and alternative revenue streams.
While these sessions are open to everyone, we particularly encourage Board Members and Trustees to attend alongside their teams this year to help drive these strategies at a leadership level.
All workshops are FREE, but as spaces are limited, book your seat!
2026 Schedule
Session 1: Funding Fundamentals (With Fi McPhee)
The essential building blocks for any fundraising journey.
This session is supported by Central Lakes Trust.
- Wānaka: Wednesday 4 March | 6.00pm – 8.00pm | Wānaka Community Hub Auditorium
- Arrowtown: Tuesday 10 March | 6.00pm – 8.00pm | Arrowtown Community Centre
Session 2: The Funders’ Perspective (with local funders)
Working alongside regional funders to explore what makes a great application and identifying common pitfalls.
- Arrowtown: Tuesday 21 April | 10.00am – 12.00pm | Arrowtown Community Centre
- Wānaka: Thursday 23 April | 10.00am – 12.00pm | Lake Wānaka Centre, Armstrong Room
Session 3: Measurement & Impact (with Dr. Linda Taylor)
Learn how to effectively measure and share the story of the great work you do.
- Wānaka: Tuesday 19 May | 6.00pm – 8.00pm | Lake Wānaka Centre, Armstrong Room
- Queenstown: Wednesday 20 May | 6.00pm – 8.00pm | Te Atamira
- Status: Ticketing not yet live.
Session 4: Alternative Funding (with Steven Moe and others)
Exploring diverse and innovative revenue streams to build resilience.
- Queenstown: Wednesday 12 June | Time TBC | Te Atamira
- Wānaka: Thursday 13 June | Time TBC | Lake Wānaka Centre
- Status: Ticketing not yet live.
