The Upper Clutha Radio Users Association has been seeking funding to upgrade the facility, which provides important VHF communication for several organisations, since a lightning strike put its power cable out of commission in early February.
As part of its first round of donations for 2018, the trust said it was pleased to provide a $66,500 grant to go towards the upgrade, which the Otago Daily Times reported in February would likely cost $300,000.
The association itself already has about $60,000 to put towards the upgrade.Association spokesman Ian Galloway said the grant was "positive news" following a break-in that caused upwards of $4000 worth of damage.
"The grant from Otago Community Trust is a great boost of assurance for us and has come at an ideal time," he said.
The association hoped to have the upgrade completed by winter, although Mr Galloway said it "will be dependent on several factors, suitable weather conditions being just one".
