Tania Dalton Foundation Scholarship 2026 in New Zealand Open

Volleyball New Zealand has officially opened nominations for the Tania Dalton Foundation (TDF) Scholarship 2026, an initiative designed to honour the legacy of sporting icon Tania Dalton while empowering the next generation of female athletes across the country.

The programme offers young women not only financial support but also mentorship, personal development, and opportunities to grow as both athletes and leaders. Up to four athletes nominated by Volleyball New Zealand will progress to the full TDF application stage.

Purpose of the Scholarship

Established in memory of Tania Dalton, whose life embodied excellence and inspiration, the scholarship aims to help young women unlock their potential and lead their biggest lives through sport. Each year, 12 to 14 scholarships are awarded for up to three years, with a financial grant of up to $5,000 per annum distributed based on need.

The programme extends beyond funding, focusing on holistic growth through workshops on leadership, wellbeing, sports nutrition, and goal setting, alongside dedicated one-on-one mentorship.

Eligibility Criteria

The 2026 session is open to:

• Female students who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
• Students in Year 10 to Year 12 (preferably Year 11 at the time of application).
• Athletes with proven talent, such as representation at regional or age-group national level.
• Applicants able to demonstrate significant financial or circumstantial hardship, with income caps set at $90,000 (for one to two dependants) and $105,000 (for families with three or more dependants).

Applicants must also showcase leadership potential, a commitment to excellence in sport, and a willingness to “pay it forward” within their communities.

Application Process and Timeline

The application process for the Tania Dalton Foundation Scholarship 2026 begins with athletes submitting their registrations, along with the required supporting evidence, to Volleyball New Zealand by 12 September 2025. Following this, VNZ will carefully review all submissions and nominate up to four athletes by 19 September 2025 to move forward to the next stage.

Those selected will then be required to apply directly to the Tania Dalton Foundation by 29 September 2025. From there, the Foundation will review applications, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews to determine the final scholarship recipients. Volleyball New Zealand has confirmed that all decisions will be made by an independent selection panel, and the outcomes will be considered final.