New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today opened applications to the Legacy Fund, designed to support projects which will have an intergenerational impact on the game.<\/p>\n
The Legacy Fund will distribute the annual earnings on a $60m perpetual fund held by New Zealand Rugby.\u00a0
As a charitable trust, the Fund is designed to sit alongside other funding avenues to assist with projects of any size which will strengthen rugby and Kiwi communities, honouring the game\u2019s past by investing in the future.\u00a0
Applications will be open to any organisation connected to rugby in Aotearoa New Zealand, from community rugby clubs, Provincial Unions, iwi or hap\u016b, to schools or wider collectives.\u00a0<\/p>\n
NZR Legacy Fund Manager Cameron Bell said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a really exciting moment for the whole game, to be in the position to make a real impact for future generations in the sport we all love. The Legacy Fund will develop new initiatives or supplement other existing funding sources to help with projects that may be more difficult to fund, but will ensure that the game endures.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope to see projects which will boost the game and its participants around the country. That could be anything from rugby skill development programmes, using rugby to drive community health, mental resilience workshops, facility or technological upgrades, or capital developments like women\u2019s changing rooms or accessible clubrooms. What\u2019s really exciting is that someone may be sitting on a fantastic idea that we haven\u2019t thought of. We can\u2019t wait to see some inspired applications.\u201d<\/p>\n
NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson said it was great to see the Fund open for applications, continuing the investment into the grassroots game.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWith Silver Lake\u2019s investment in 2022, community clubs have shared $7.5m, $2m has gone into M\u0101ori Rugby, and $20m shared across the Provincial Unions. The Legacy Fund\u2019s $60m base will generate even more opportunity to support and grow the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the name suggests, the Legacy Fund is about preserving and fostering the game in New Zealand, allowing it to be passed on in a better place. Everyone involved in rugby has a responsibility to the next generation, and this is a wonderful gift for those who are yet to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Applications will be considered by the Legacy Fund Advisory Group, consisting of NZR\u2019s CEO and GM of Community Rugby, as well as representatives from:<\/p>\n
NZR Board
\nM\u0101ori Rugby\u00a0
\nPasifika Rugby
\nThree Provincial Unions\u00a0
\nSuper Rugby
\nNew Zealand Rugby Players Association
\nSport New Zealand<\/p>\n
As a charity, the Legacy Fund is able to accept donations and bequests from people wanting to contribute to rugby\u2019s legacy themselves. More detail about this can be found on the NZR website.<\/p>\n
Applications will be open until 12 October. Successful projects will be announced and funds will be distributed in December.<\/p>\n