The Big Little Sponsorship 2026
This year, we’re supporting primary schools across New Zealand for the chance to win a share of $100,000 in sports grants.
Nominations are now closed
The nominations for this year’s Big Little Sponsorship are now closed, and we couldn’t be prouder of the incredible schools who were put forward.
Every nomination helps shine a light on the important role sport plays in schools and communities. Our judges are now carefully reviewing the submissions, and we can’t wait to share the winning school with you soon.
How we find our winning schools
Eligibility
Any primary school in New Zealand that hasn’t previously won a Big Little Sponsorship grant can be nominated and apply. There are ten $10,000 sports grants to be awarded.
Strength of nomination
How compelling and genuine the primary school's need for support is.
Number of unique nominations each primary school receives.
Value of winning
How a sports grant could help the primary school overcome any challenges they face when organising sports activities.
Importance of sport
The role that sport plays and the impact it has at the primary school.
Frequently asked questions
Nominations are open from 9am, Wednesday 25th February – 11:59pm Sunday 19th April 2026.
Nominations can be made by anyone. If you’re under 18 years of age, you’ll need to include the details of your parent/guardian.
Our judges will evaluate nominations to select the winner at their sole discretion with reference to, but not limited by, the judging criteria.
Our judges will meet in May 2026 to decide on the winning primary schools.
Each of the winning school’s principal will be notified by May and the wider school community in June.
You can Live Chat with us on our website or call us on 0800 500 231. Our Contact Centre is open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 6pm on weekends and public holidays.
The Big Little Sponsorship 2025
Since 2018, the Big Little Sponsorship has helped our youngest athletes take their first steps toward achieving their sporting dreams. Communities from across the nation are encouraged to nominate primary schools who could do with a helping hand.
The Big Little Sponsorship 2024
The 2024 Big Little Sponsorship received 5,500 nominations, over 800 more than last year. There were nominations for primary schools across the nation, from the Aupouri Peninsula in the Far North to Rakiura/Stewart Island. Each nomination gave the entrant school a chance to win one of six sports grants.