Turnbull is the reigning Otago touch most valuable player and a member of the New Zealand women's team.
She receives the top sportswomen's grant to help her represent New Zealand at the world cup in Australia.
Alexandra's McCulloch - described by Canoe Slalom New Zealand vice-chairman Christopher Pascoe as ''having the potential to gain a top-10 finish at the junior world championships'' - receives the top sportsmen's grant.
Each athlete will get a $5000 grant to attend their respective competitions.
Nearly 280 athletes from a diverse range of sports received grants in the round.
Winter sports featured heavily and basketball, netball, football, and ice hockey were all strongly supported.
''Netball in Otago is on a roll and we want to help keep that going by helping young stars like Abby Erwood, who will lead them into the future,'' Skeggs Foundation chairman David Skeggs said.
''Basketball is a sport with challenges, so if we can give funding to a talented player such as Olivia O'Neill, it's one less worry and she can focus on her sport.
''The Southern area is blessed with a high percentage of the best ice hockey players in New Zealand, which we can see right now with the likes of Paris Heyd leading from the front for the Ice Blacks.''
Central Otago continues to be a fertile ground for successful young athletes.
Snow sports featured strongly, as expected, and cyclists, triathletes, adventure racers and kayakers swelled the numbers.
The number of Waitaki district athletes supported has also increased, led by duathlete Olivia Ollerenshaw and rower Maysie Scott.
The four members of the East Otago curling team have also been given a grant to attend the New Zealand secondary schools championships in Auckland.
''We have supported a number of well-known Otago athletes from their beginnings representing the province, to national and international success,'' Skeggs said.
''Now we are giving the next generation that same hand up on the path to the podium.
''The Skeggs Foundation has been investing in Otago sport for over 20 years and I would like to hope we can do it for another 20 or more.''
