More than $5.5 million in grants were made by the Central Lakes Trust last year, including $1 million to redevelop the Queenstown Memorial Hall.
Speaking at the trust's annual meeting on Monday night, chairman Sir Eion Edgar said the value of last year's 250 grants were $500,000 ahead of the 2010-11 year and $1 million more than 2009-10. In total, the trust has distributed $58 million since it was formed in 2000.
Other significant grants made last year were $600,000 to the Clutha Gold Trail and $400,000 to youth-related projects.
He said the Central Lakes Trust had assets worth $322 million through a diverse investment portfolio, including its 100% shareholding in Pioneer Generation. Trust chief executive Paul Allison said recreation and sport projects received $1.2 million in grants, arts and culture received $1.3 million and welfare projects $1.1 million.
"The trust is committed to ensuring that important community support services are easily accessible and widely available to people throughout our region," Mr Allison said.
