Help with School Costs
The following agencies may be able to assist with school-related costs. Please note that availability can vary throughout the year, so it’s best to contact each agency directly to find out what support is currently offered. Funding is often limited, and it is not uncommon for some agencies to exhaust their resources early in the year.
Before approaching an agency, please check with your child’s school. In some cases, help with school uniforms and other back-to-school necessities is available directly from the school.
Christchurch City Mission
What they may offer: Help with uniforms and stationery
Apply online: www.citymission.org.nz/back-to-school
Call: 0800 787 855
Email: info@citymission.org.nz
JR McKenzie Trust’s Youth Education Fund
What they may offer: Help with uniforms, supplies, glasses, and tuition fees
Applyonline: www.youtheducationfund.org.nz
Call: 027 746 7425
Email: jrmckenzierotaryuppersouth@gmail.com
Variety Kiwi Kid Sponsorship
What they may offer: Help with uniforms, stationery, extracurricular activities, and other essentials for children 4 to 17
Apply online: www.variety.org.nz/get-support/find-Support
Call: 09 520 4111
Email: kiwikids@variety.org.nz
St. Vincent de Paul Christchurch
What they may offer: Help with general school needs
Apply online: www.svdpcanterbury.nz/get-help/
Call: 03 389 7484 ext 2 or 0273589400
Email: welfare@svdpcanterbury.nz
Work & Income
What they may offer: Help with uniforms, stationery, and childcare costs - you don’t have to be a beneficiary to received assistance from Work & Income, and you may have to pay any support back in installments.
Apply online if already a client: MyMSD
Call: 0800 559 009
Good Shepherd New Zealand
What they may offer: No- and low-interest loans for devices and school costs for qualifying applicants
Apply online: goodshepherd.org.nz/get-support/ask-or-apply-for-help/good-loans-enquiry-form/
Call: 0800 466 370
Email: info@goodshepherd.org.nz
Rotary Clubs
Consider contacting your local Rotary to see if it can assist with school costs.
The Loft Can Help
Although we do not offer direct assistance with school costs, The Loft is here to support you with applications for assistance, advocacy with Work & Income, and support with approaching your child’s school.
We’ll take the time to listen, help you understand your options, and connect you with the right services and community supports. If you’d like someone to walk alongside you as you work out your next steps, get in touch. Our team is here to guide you toward the support that best fits your situation.