Clubs, schools and community groups in Invercargill have until Friday 6 November to get applications in for the first round of this season's Invercargill Active Communities fund.

The fund, administered by Active Southland from its base at ILT Stadium Southland, is designed to make it easier and cheaper for Invercargill residents to take part in sport, active recreation and play. Round one opened on 31 August and closes this Friday. A second round is expected in the New Year if funding allows.

Money is available in four categories.

Programme delivery grants of up to $4000 support new or expanded sport, recreation and play opportunities, and can cover venue hire, equipment, transport and the cost of staff or volunteers running sessions.

Volunteer and officials grants of up to $2000 are aimed at lifting the quality of what is on offer, including training, co-design work and club development.

Travel grants cover up to $300 for an individual and up to $800 for a team. Applicants must be based in Invercargill and cannot be professional athletes or members of a national team.

Accessibility grants of up to $300 per person pay for equipment, clothing, membership fees and transport for 5 to 25-year-olds whose families are facing financial hardship. These applications are made on the young person's behalf by a regional sports organisation, community group or social agency rather than by individuals.

Active Southland says applications that help people who are struggling to participate, or that come from high-deprivation communities, are given higher priority.

The programme, volunteer and travel categories are open to applicants of any age.

Groups that miss Friday's deadline face a wait. Active Southland has not set dates for round two and says it will depend on how much funding remains, so clubs planning summer holiday programmes, pre-season coaching courses or trips to tournaments early in the New Year are better off applying now.

Applicants hear back within three weeks of the close, meaning groups should know before the end of November whether their summer plans have funding.

Enquiries can be made to Cilla at Active Southland on 03 211 2150 or activecommunities@activesouthland.co.nz. Application details are on the Active Southland website under Funding.