Through the Omarama Residents' Association the community has been working for about two years to redevelop the memorial hall, which also houses the town's play group.
It has been appealing for letters of support from community groups and individuals to be included in an information pack to go with grants applications to funding organisations.
One of the organisers of the appeal, Glenys Dawson, said there had been a good response from the community in support of the project. The aim is to develop a complex with additional facilities so it gets used more.
If fundraising was successful, it was hoped work could start by the end of the year, she said.
The project will start with $169,000 from the sale of the Omarama Medical Centre, through the Waitaki District Council. That will form seeding finance to raise other money.
The proposed redevelopment includes an area for a gym and space for as many sports as possible. Spaces would be for a range of uses, and would get better soundproofing. Some facilities would be upgraded and relocated.
A 50sq m extension would be built at the rear for a Plunket and meeting room, next to new unisex toilets. A doctors' room would be developed off the entrance foyer, replacing the Omarama Medical Centre.
The kitchen would be relocated and upgraded. The play group would stay in the existing wing. The hall would continue to be available for Omarama events and general public use and also as a sports centre, gymnasium and indoor training area.
Broadband internet facilities would be available and it would become a support centre for cyclists using the new Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail from Mt Cook to Oamaru.
It would be available to Omarama School, for civil defence in emergencies, for conferences, business promotions, performing arts, library services and possibly a community radio station.
