Cobblestones Trust chairman Graeme Gray outlines in the submission how the museum, established more than 40 years ago, has reached a "critical stage" in its development.
"[There is] a strong need to improve the conditions that much of its collection is currently stored, and to make items in its collection better accessible to the public," Mr Gray said.
"In report recently commissioned in 2011, many collection items have been identified at significant risk in their current storage."
In 2011, museum trustees developed a plan for a new entrance building that included, enhanced exhibition areas, a new specialist collection store and a flexible theatre space.
The total cost is estimated to be about $942,000. 85 per cent of the funding has already been confirmed.
The project received a $274,000 grant from the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, $300,000 from Greytown Trust Lands Trust, a commitment of $120,000 from Eastern and Central Community Trust and a grant of $20,000 from Trust House Charitable Trust.
Some grants are subject to all funding being in place.
Cobblestones Trust has made a commitment of $45,000 from its own funds and raised more than $25,000 in donations from the community.
Mr Gray wrote that an upgraded museum would play an important role in the history of Wairarapa's heritage.
"[It] will bring a new profile to the museum as an important visitor attraction in the Wairarapa," he said.
"We believe a grant from the Masterton District Council would also send a strong message of endorsement to other funders."
