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Acorn Foundation

Up to $10,000 per application. Annual round opens April to August. Capital items capped at $5,000.

Community foundation serving the Western Bay of Plenty, including Waihi Beach, Katikati, Tauranga, Te Puke, and Maketu. Has distributed over $25 million since 2003. Funds housing, food security, youth development, mental health, disability support, and environmental sustainability. One annual funding round with a maximum of $10,000 per grant.

Air Rescue Services Limited

Average grant size around $19,840. Total recent distribution: $18.7M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $18.7M across 945 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Akarana Community Trust

Average grant size around $16,966. Total recent distribution: $3.5M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $3.5M across 205 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation

$25,000

A charitable trust that distributes community grants to New Zealand charities and community projects.

Aotearoa Gaming Foundation

Average grant size around $10,100. Total recent distribution: $12.5M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $12.5M across 1242 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Ashburton District Council

6 grant programmes

Supports community organisations with contributions towards operational costs, including rent or salaries.

Auckland Council

11 grant programmes

Funds projects that benefit the community and maintain, improve or create local facilities.

Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund

Up to $5,000,000 total raised, small grants available

Supports conservation efforts in New Zealand and overseas through grants funded by visitor admissions and donations.

Backcountry Trust

$5,000 - $20,000

Independent trust established by Federated Mountain Clubs, NZ Deerstalkers Association and Trail Fund NZ to support the restoration and maintenance of huts and tracks on public conservation land. Has funded the restoration of over 300 huts and 2,000 km of walking and mountain bike tracks. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 for materials, digger hire, transport and signage.

Community Support up to $50,000 (monthly). Quarterly Strategic $50,000 to $250,000.

Major regional community trust serving the Bay of Plenty. Funds community wellbeing, environmental stewardship (kaitiakitanga), Maori advancement, and healthy housing. Offers Community Support grants up to $50,000 (monthly decisions) and Quarterly Strategic grants from $50,000 to $250,000.

Blue Sky Community Trust

Average grant size around $10,087. Total recent distribution: $11.2M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $11.2M across 1112 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Blue Waters Community Trust

Average grant size around $14,626. Total recent distribution: $0.7M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $0.7M across 48 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

BNZ Manaaki Taiao Grant

BNZ Manaaki Taiao Grant. Funds habitat restoration, wildlife or biodiversity monitoring. Iwi can apply. Does not fund infrastructure.

Buller District Council

3 grant programmes

Subsidises hire costs of Council facilities for non-profit community events.

Perpetual Guardian-administered. Applications open April annually. Multiple small-to-medium grants per round.

Perpetual Guardian-administered charitable trust distributing grants to charities in Canterbury for humanitarian and arts projects. Applications open April each year via the Perpetual Guardian Funding Hub. One of several regional legacy funds managed by Perpetual Guardian across New Zealand.

Central Hawkes Bay District Council

6 grant programmes

Funds projects that enhance the beauty and pride of Central Hawke's Bay.

Christchurch City Council

9 grant programmes

Funds initiatives to improve business environments in Christchurch.

Clutha District Council

4 grant programmes

Funds activities that protect or enhance biodiversity in the Clutha District.

Community and Volunteering Capability Fund

Varies by priority, but total funding for volunteering projects is $111,000 across all projects

Provides grants to not-for-profit organisations for services and projects that improve leadership and strengthen the capability and capacity of New Zealand’s diverse community and voluntary sector.

Community Post (NZ Post)

In-kind postal and courier services

NZ Post's community support programme providing over 1.2 million postage-included envelopes annually to non-profit community organisations. The Delivering for Good programme also offers free domestic courier services to selected organisations helping people connect and feel included. Not a cash grant but valuable in-kind support.

General Grants up to $50,000. Under $10,000 simplified process (6 weeks). $10,000 to $50,000 detailed process (8 weeks). One grant per 12 months.

Major regional community trust serving Southland, Queenstown, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Tapanui, and Heriot. Funds community wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and people and places initiatives. Offers ten funding streams including General Grants up to $50,000 and Major Grants over $75,000 for significant community projects.

Constellation Communities Trust

Average grant size around $7,423. Total recent distribution: $0.6M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $0.6M across 78 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Creative Communities NZ (Creative NZ)

$500 to $5,000. Multiple rounds per year depending on local council. Contact Tasman District Council for local rounds.

Partnership between Creative New Zealand and 74 local authorities throughout NZ. Aims to increase participation in the arts at a local level and increase the range and diversity of arts available to communities. Local decision-making via local assessment committees. All New Zealanders are eligible to apply. Contact your local district or city council (Tasman District Council for Motueka area) for application forms and closing dates. Each council runs its own rounds.

Creative New Zealand

A government agency that provides funding and support for arts organizations, artists, and practitioners in New Zealand.

Department of Internal Affairs

1 grant programme

COGS is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs through local distribution committees. It is the most accessible grant for small community groups, designed for local, volunteer-based organisations.

DOC Community Fund - Putea Tautiaki Hapori

$150,000 - $1,000,000

The Department of Conservation's major community funding programme providing $9.2 million for community-led conservation projects that protect and restore threatened species and ecosystems across New Zealand. Open to whanau, hapu, iwi, community conservation groups, and not-for-profit organisations. Minimum application is $150,000 for projects up to 3 years.

DOC Mātauranga Kura Taiao Fund

Preserves traditional Maori knowledge to manage biodiversity. Open to individuals or iwi to support tohunga, pūkenga, or kaumātua. Does not fund restoration projects, conferences, legal costs, debt, salaries, or fees. Open all year.

DOC Nature Heritage Fund

$5,000-$50,000

Funds purchase of land for conservation purposes. Open to individuals and groups.

Dragon Community Trust

Average grant size around $8,091. Total recent distribution: $3.1M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $3.1M across 386 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

$6,000 to $7,000 average grant. Annual budget approximately $1 million. Six funding rounds per year.

One of the longest-running philanthropic trusts in the Waikato, established in 1924 by farmer Dan Bryant. Focuses on enhancing human welfare in the Waikato region, with current strategic priority on youth and education. Funds not-for-profit community groups working with vulnerable or disadvantaged people to address inequity. Has donated more than $13.6 million to nearly 500 organisations since 1965. Board meets six times per year (February, April, June, August, October, December). Also operates the Bryant Retreat for Women at Whaingaroa/Raglan.

Community Support and Events under $10,000. Community Impact $10,000 to $100,000. One grant per financial year.

Regional community trust serving six districts across the eastern and central lower North Island - Gisborne Tairawhiti, Hawke's Bay, Tararua, Manawatu, Horowhenua, and Wairarapa. Has distributed over $145 million in community grants. Offers three funding pathways from under $10,000 up to $100,000.

Environment Canterbury

4 grant programmes

Funds projects that protect and restore the unique biodiversity of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula, focusing on managing pests, restoring habitats, and building ecological resilience.

Environment Southland

3 grant programmes

Funds local, volunteer-led conservation projects in Southland, focusing on protecting and restoring native biodiversity.

First Light Community Foundation Limited

Average grant size around $5,254. Total recent distribution: $1.7M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $1.7M across 320 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Fish & Game Gamebird Habitat Fund

Wetland development as gamebird habitat. Grants up to $15K. Applications close 30 June annually.

$2,000 - $20,000

Distributes funding for the development and enhancement of habitat for game birds and other wetland inhabitants. Funded by $5 from every hunting licence sale. Since 1993, the Trust has provided $2.4 million in grants to nearly 300 projects, helping create, enhance or reinstate around 2,000 hectares of wetland habitat. Applications close 30 June each year.

$1,000 to $250,000+. Quick Response under $25,000 (2-month decision). Community Grants over $25,000 (5-month decision).

One of New Zealand's largest community trusts, serving Auckland and Northland. Distributes grants for community wellbeing, social inclusion, environmental regeneration, and equity initiatives. Offers Quick Response Grants (under $25,000) and larger Community Grants (over $25,000) year-round.

Four Directions Energy Fund

A global Indigenous clean energy investment fund that embeds Indigenous equity, governance, and benefit-sharing in renewable energy projects. It focuses on ensuring Indigenous peoples are co-owners of renewable energy projects on their land rather than passive landlords. The fund is led by a team with New Zealand and US Indigenous leadership experience.

Four Winds Foundation Limited

Average grant size around $9,580. Total recent distribution: $13.2M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $13.2M across 1377 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Gisborne District Council

5 grant programmes

Funds local arts activities that create opportunities for communities to engage with and participate in arts.

Grassroots Trust Central Limited

Average grant size around $8,149. Total recent distribution: $7.0M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $7.0M across 862 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Grassroots Trust Limited

Average grant size around $16,999. Total recent distribution: $26.7M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $26.7M across 1572 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Greater Wellington Regional Council

3 grant programmes

Supports community groups to restore, maintain and protect native ecosystems in the Kāpiti area.

Grey District Council

5 grant programmes

Assists Grey District community-led volunteer groups undertaking projects or events in Grey District spaces and places, aligned with the council's vision and strategic documents.

Hamilton City Council

6 grant programmes

Funds small not-for-profit community organisations within Hamilton's boundary that deliver services, initiatives, and projects that improve community wellbeing.

Annual grant providing funding for the preservation, conservation and repair of privately owned historic places, wahi tupuna and wahi tapu listed on the New Zealand Heritage List. Prioritises heritage places of national significance where conservation work is planned. Open to private owners of listed heritage properties.

Horowhenua District Council

1 grant programme

Provides short-term financial assistance to individuals, families, groups, and organizations impacted by the weather event on 29-30 December 2025.

$50,000 - $500,000

Family-led foundation established in 1998, inspired by founder Hugh Green's childhood poverty in Ireland. Partners with high-quality organisations making positive impact in medical innovation, poverty reduction, education access, and health equity across New Zealand communities.

Hurunui District Council

7 grant programmes

Supports and encourages local communities to create and present diverse opportunities for accessing and participating in arts activities within their specific geographical area.

Hutt City Council

5 grant programmes

Funds events and activities that encourage community connection and celebration during the holiday period.

ILT Foundation

Average grant size around $26,124. Total recent distribution: $6.4M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $6.4M across 246 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Invercargill City Council

6 grant programmes

Funds tertiary or university education for Bluff residents.

$5,000 - $150,000

A philanthropic family trust grantmaking in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1940, distributing approximately $5 million annually. Funds community organisations working towards social justice and equity through transformational, systemic change across four strategic pillars: Te Pou Maori, Poutu Pasefika, Pou Whanau, and Pou CaRE.

Kaikoura District Council

5 grant programmes

Provides funding assistance to not-for-profit organizations providing services to the Kaikoura community.

Kaipara District Council

1 grant programme

Funds arts initiatives and projects in the Kaipara District.

Kapiti Coast District Council

10 grant programmes

Supports the development and long-term sustainability of arts initiatives and organizations in Kāpiti.

Kawerau District Council

4 grant programmes

Funds groups and services that improve the quality of life of Kawerau residents.

Small to medium grants. Applications open approximately 7 April to 1 May each year.

Perpetual Guardian-administered charitable fund supporting disability services, social services, education, and religious organisations in the Manawatu, Horowhenua, and Hawke's Bay regions. Applications open in April each year via the Perpetual Guardian Funding Hub.

Kiwi Gaming Foundation Limited

Average grant size around $8,718. Total recent distribution: $8.2M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $8.2M across 944 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

$10,000 to $500,000+ for capital facility projects.

Lottery Grants Board fund for community facilities projects. Provides grants for building, extending, or renovating community facilities that benefit the wider community. Separate from the general Lottery Community Fund. For capital projects involving physical community infrastructure.

Lottery Community Fund- Te Tahua Whakatinana Papakāinga

A fund supporting community organizations in New Zealand.

$5,000 to $100,000+ for environment and heritage projects.

Lottery Grants Board fund for projects that protect, conserve, or care for New Zealand's natural, cultural, and physical heritage. Relevant for iwi organisations involved in environmental restoration, cultural heritage preservation, and conservation projects.

$5,000 - $100,000

A Lottery Grants Board fund supporting not-for-profit organisations with outdoor safety or water safety as their core business. Funds operational costs, projects beyond day-to-day operations, and minor capital works up to $30,000 including equipment and rescue craft. No upper limit on grant requests.

$500,000 - $5,000,000

Lottery Grants Board fund for large-scale projects to purchase, create or improve capital assets of regional or national significance. Minimum total project cost is $3 million. Covers arts, culture, heritage, sport, recreation, conservation, environment and community wellbeing. Applicants must have at least one-third of total costs already secured. Currently closed for 2025/26, with a decision on reopening expected June 2026.

Mackenzie District Council

5 grant programmes

Grants to support not-for-profit community organisations within the Mackenzie District for specific projects, events, or the maintenance of facilities that benefit the community.

Mainland Foundation Limited

Average grant size around $13,624. Total recent distribution: $5.5M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $5.5M across 403 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

MainPower

3 grant programmes

MainPower distributes $40,000 twice a year to support not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and schools doing great things in the Waimakariri, Hurunui, and Kaikōura communities on the MainPower network.

Manawatu District Council

3 grant programmes

Funds creative projects in the Manawatu district.

Manawatu-Whanganui Regional Council (Horizons)

6 grant programmes

Funds university study in fields relevant to Horizons' work, such as resource management, environmental planning, and engineering.

Manukau Community Facilities Charitable Trust

Average grant size around $43,635. Total recent distribution: $2.3M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $2.3M across 52 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

$10,000 - $50,000 (micro-loans, not grants)

Unique indigenous financial institution established in 1987 by the Maori Women's Welfare League, dedicated to supporting wahine Maori and their whanau on business and economic journeys. Provides low-interest micro-loans of $10,000-$50,000, business coaching (Hinepreneur), the HineBoss 3-day business programme, financial capability programmes for marae, and rangatahi business programmes.

Marlborough District Council

4 grant programmes

Funds small, low-cost infrastructure projects on outdoor public spaces in Marlborough's small townships.

Masterton District Council

7 grant programmes

Funds initiatives that reduce emissions, protect the environment, and strengthen communities.

Matamata-Piako District Council

7 grant programmes

Provides funding for arts and cultural projects in the district, supported by Creative New Zealand.

MDC Habitat Marlborough

Marlborough District Council programme. Funds planting of forests, wetlands, and waterways. Provides up to $10K per year.

Marlborough District Council fund assisting landowners to maintain or improve site condition. Total pool of $190K per year.

Marlborough District Council programme funding pest control on private land. Provides up to $15K per year.

Milestone Foundation Limited

Average grant size around $9,482. Total recent distribution: $4.0M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $4.0M across 420 grants in recent years. Active since 2023.

$2,000 - $50,000

Manatu Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, administers grants supporting history research, oral history projects, Waitangi Day celebrations, and Matariki-related cultural activities. Focuses on projects that enhance understanding of New Zealand's past and reflect diverse identities and perspectives.

Government fund that empowers New Zealanders to make a positive difference to the environment. Supports initiatives that strengthen environmental partnerships, boost awareness, and encourage community participation in projects related to climate change, freshwater, waste, and sustainability. Note: applications are currently closed with no rounds planned in the foreseeable future.

$10,000 - $500,000

Government funding supporting organisations that employ a youth development approach for young people aged 12 to 24 in Aotearoa New Zealand. Includes several streams: Youth Development Contributory Fund, Place-Based Youth Development Fund, Youth Enterprise Funds, and Youth Development Partnership and Innovation Fund. Total annual spend is around $12 million.

$250,000 - $5,000,000

Government co-investment fund from the Ministry for Primary Industries supporting innovation in the primary sector. Up to $75 million available annually for projects that deliver sustainable benefits to New Zealand's food and fibre sectors. Minimum grant is $250,000 with MPI contributing at least 40% of project costs. Note: SFF Futures was replaced by the Primary Sector Growth Fund (PSGF) in May 2025, though existing projects continue.

Nelson City Council Hill Country Erosion Fund. Referenced in the context of a $20K grant to Ngāti Koata.

Nelson City Council

6 grant programmes

Nelson City Council operates multiple community grant programmes. The Community Investment Fund (CIF) established in 2015 includes Strategic Grants ($10,000 to $30,000 per annum, up to 3 years, approximately $240,000 per year) and Small Grants (up to $10,000, approximately $100,000 per year, two rounds). Also runs Arts Heritage Partnership Grant Scheme, Community Events Fund (multiple rounds per year via SmartyGrants), Environmental Grants Scheme (up to $5,000 and $20,000 categories), Matariki Community Grant, Economic Events Fund, and a Housing Reserve Fund for larger projects. CIF priorities focus on supporting vulnerable communities: reducing poverty impacts, reducing social isolation, addressing housing vulnerability and homelessness, and improving work and learning opportunities for young people. Applicants must be registered charities or hold non-profit tax exemption. All applications via SmartyGrants portal.

Network Tasman Trust

$500 to $5,000. Annual round only. Applications July/August, decisions October.

Charitable trust allocating approximately $260,000 per year via the Peter Malone Community Grants Scheme in recognition of past and present network users. Named after former Nelson Mayor Peter Malone. Distributed over $190,000 across 99 groups in 2025 (record 147 applications). Primarily supports projects completable within one year. Five main funding categories. Applications open July/August, close last Friday of August. Decisions in October.

New Plymouth District Council

1 grant programme

Funds projects aimed at teaching or encouraging waste reduction, building recycling/reusing/composting equipment, studying waste amounts/types, promoting product stewardship, and other initiatives aligned with the council's waste management plan.

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT)

$1,000 to $150,000+. Typical sport grants $2,000 to $30,000. Larger grants for facilities and rescue services.

One of New Zealand's largest gaming trusts (12% market share), established 1998. Distributed $39.9 million through 1,914 grants in 2023/24. Around 75% of funds go to amateur sport. Also funds rescue services, youth development, arts, culture, health, education, and environment. Has Regional Advisory Committees across NZ including Top of the South. Two Net Proceeds Committees: NPC1 (trustees, monthly, larger grants) and NPC2 (senior managers, fortnightly, smaller grants). Apply at least 3 months before funds needed.

$3,000 to $7,500 typically. Up to $30,000 for Porirua-based organisations. Annual round.

Community foundation supporting not-for-profit organisations in the Greater Wellington region, including Kapiti, Porirua, and Wairarapa. Focuses on health, social services, and community development. Annual grants round with typical grants between $3,000 and $7,500, with larger amounts available for Porirua-based organisations.

Northland Community Foundation

A registered charity in Northland, New Zealand, that invests donations and distributes grants to support local communities.

Northland Regional Council

7 grant programmes

Invests in projects that improve long-term resilience to a changing climate.

$8,500 per award category

Administers the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards and the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Provides prize money of $8,500 per category across fiction, poetry, non-fiction, illustrated non-fiction, and children's literature. Not a traditional grant funder but offers significant recognition and financial awards to published NZ authors.

$5,000 - $2,500,000

New Zealand's primary screen funding agency, offering rebates, grants, and equity investment to support filmmakers and screen businesses. Funds feature film development (up to $140,000), production equity (up to $2.5M for scripted, $800K for documentaries), short films, and postproduction investment up to $500,000.

NZ Lotteries Grants Board

1 grant programme

Funded by NZ Lotto profits, Lotteries Community Grants support a wide range of community projects across New Zealand. One of the largest grant programmes in the country.

$2,000 - $25,000

Government-funded organisation promoting New Zealand music and supporting the growth of NZ music businesses. Key programmes include Outward Sound for international market development (50% contribution towards costs), Capability Grants for industry upskilling (up to $25,000), and the Aotearoa Touring Programme for domestic touring support.

NZ Nature Fund

NZ Nature Fund. Conservation-focused philanthropic fund supporting nature in Aotearoa.

$1,000 - $500,000+

New Zealand's public media funding agency supporting content that reflects diverse communities and culture across television, radio, music, and digital platforms. Funds scripted and non-fiction programming, music recording and promotion ($1,000-$55,000), game development rebates, and sector capability building.

One Foundation

Average grant size around $12,133. Total recent distribution: $16.0M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $16.0M across 1316 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Opotiki District Council

4 grant programmes

Allocated by Council to the Coast Community Board for Coast ward projects.

Varies. Covers repairs, upgrades, and development projects for marae.

Government fund administered by DIA specifically for marae development. Provides grants for marae repairs, upgrades, and development projects. Directly relevant to iwi and hapu organisations. Supports the physical infrastructure that underpins whanau, hapu and iwi wellbeing.

Community Response Grants under $10,000 or over $10,000. Capital Project Grants over $50,000. Applications take 6-10 weeks to process.

Independent community trust serving the Otago region. Offers grants for sports, social services, community response, capital projects, and capability development. Any incorporated not-for-profit body can apply, including incorporated societies and charitable trusts. Non-legal entities may apply for grants up to $1,000. Apply via the online portal after completing the eligibility quiz.

Otago Regional Council

1 grant programme

Funds projects that enhance and protect the environment in Otago.

Oxford Sports Trust

Average grant size around $7,359. Total recent distribution: $6.2M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $6.2M across 845 grants in recent years. Active since 2022.

Palmerston North City Council

3 grant programmes

Funds small-scale community development projects that align with the council's strategic priorities.

Pelorus Trust

Average grant $6,988. Total distributed: $28,552,616 across 4,086 grants.

Gaming trust with 67% overall approval rate across 6,110 grant decisions. Distributed $28,552,616 total (average grant $6,988). Top categories: SPORT: 69% approval (2370 grants, avg $7,132); COMMUNITY: 60% approval (593 grants, avg $6,971); ARTS AND CULTURE: 67% approval (406 grants, avg $4,376).

$1,000 - $50,000

Perpetual Guardian manages hundreds of charitable trusts distributing approximately $40 million per year across New Zealand. Each trust has its own specific criteria, purposes, and geographic focus. The grants finder portal allows organisations to search for trusts matching their needs.

$1,000 - $5,000

Funding for backyard trapping communities across New Zealand to get their neighbourhoods involved in the predator free movement. Grants support community-based predator control targeting rats, stoats, ferrets, weasels or possums. Funding covers community spaces such as marae, schools, and RSAs, but not reserves or government land.

Pub Charity Limited

Average grant $12,551. Total distributed: $166,998,650 across 13,306 grants.

Gaming trust with 74% overall approval rate across 17,948 grant decisions. Distributed $166,998,650 total (average grant $12,551). Top categories: SPORT: 76% approval (6206 grants, avg $10,082); COMMUNITY: 71% approval (2847 grants, avg $12,184); ARTS AND CULTURE: 76% approval (1386 grants, avg $10,525).

$500 - $25,000

Public Trust manages a portfolio of charitable trusts and endowments that provide grants and scholarships to individuals and organisations across New Zealand. Each trust has specific application criteria and processes, covering sectors from education and welfare to arts and community development.

Contestable fund for QEII covenant holders, providing support for enhanced stewardship of covenanted land. Named after founders Gordon and Celia Stephenson. Supports pest plant control, predator control, revegetation, and track or access maintenance. Requires 50% landowner contribution, though hardship criteria may allow up to 100% funding. Generally open July to August each year.

Queenstown Lakes District Council

1 grant programme

Funds economic diversification projects in the Queenstown Lakes District.

Rangitikei District Council

2 grant programmes

Assists entities with the purchase of small items or additional services not included in Council’s operating budgets, benefiting the local community.

Rano Community Trust

Average grant size around $12,954. Total recent distribution: $5.4M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $5.4M across 420 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Rata Foundation

1 grant programme

Rata Foundation supports communities in Te Tau Ihu (Top of the South Island) through grants for charitable purposes. One of the largest funders in the region.

$2,000 - $20,000

Industry body representing recorded music rights owners in New Zealand, including major labels, independent labels, and self-released artists. Periodically offers contestable Music Grants supporting projects across the recorded music industry, though the programme is not active every year. Membership is open to any owner of recorded music rights operating in NZ.

Redwood Trust Incorporated

Average grant size around $2,789. Total recent distribution: $0.5M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $0.5M across 168 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Regional Environment and Natural Heritage (RENH) grant programme

$5000 - $90,000

A contestable grant supporting community-led conservation projects in Auckland that protect native species, improve water quality, and maintain ecosystems.

Government fund administered by DIA supporting community-led crime prevention and community safety initiatives. Helps communities address safety issues through local solutions.

$5,000 - $50,000

National charity that raises and distributes funds to community and iwi-led kiwi conservation projects across Aotearoa. Funding supports pest and predator control, Operation Nest Egg, education and advocacy, monitoring and research. Has distributed more than $7 million to kiwi conservation groups, with recent rounds allocating over $500,000 across multiple projects.

Selwyn District Council

3 grant programmes

Funding for community-based arts activities in the Selwyn District.

South Taranaki District Council

8 grant programmes

A fund for projects within the community board's ward and to encourage non-profit making or charitable groups to develop and deliver services, facilities, amenities, or programmes for the benefit of their community.

South Waikato District Council

1 grant programme

Funds arts projects including craft/object arts, dance, inter-arts, literature, Māori Arts, multi-artform (including film), music, Pacific Arts, theatre and visual arts.

Varies. Applied through Regional Sports Trusts. Contact Sport Tasman for Nelson/Tasman opportunities.

Sport New Zealand's Tuu Manawa Active Aotearoa fund supports organisations that provide play, active recreation, and sport opportunities. Administered through Regional Sports Trusts (Sport Tasman for the Nelson/Tasman region). Targets increased participation, particularly among underrepresented groups.

Stratford District Council

5 grant programmes

Helps to fund local arts projects that increase participation, range and diversity of arts, and strengthen the local arts sector.

Typically $1,000 to $10,000. Capital items capped at $5,000 per item. Annual round opens June, closes mid-July. Decisions by September.

Community foundation serving the Tairawhiti-Gisborne region. All money raised locally stays local. Has supported over 160 charities and community groups since 2014, distributing over $750,000 in grants. Funds seven priority areas including arts, community, education, environment, health, and sport. One annual funding round.

TAB New Zealand

Average grant size around $28,750. Total recent distribution: $14.5M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $14.5M across 506 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.

Tararua District Council

4 grant programmes

Supports and encourages local communities to create and present diverse opportunities for accessing and participating in arts activities.

Tasman District Council

10 grant programmes

Tasman District Council allocates community grants from rates annually. Applications open 1 May, close 31 July each year. Six funding categories: events (up to $1,500), community programmes ($1,000), social services ($1,250), environment ($1,500), emergency services ($1,000), and sport/recreation facilities (up to $5,000). Council estimates $3 to $5 return for every $1 spent. Also operates a Waste Minimisation Projects Grant for initiatives that reduce waste, support circular economy, and demonstrate kaitiakitanga of natural resources (applications via tasman.govt.nz, rounds close 31 March typically). A Special Grants Fund is available for projects that fall outside standard categories. Priority given to projects addressing identified community need, aligning with council community outcomes, joining communities together, and not solely reliant on council funding.

Tauranga City Council

4 grant programmes

Supports community-led initiatives that contribute to Tauranga's climate goals.

$5,000 - $500,000+

Crown funding agency investing in media that promotes Maori language and culture. Funds diverse content across television, radio, and digital platforms, supports Maori music activities, and directly funds 21 iwi radio stations across Aotearoa. Also supports industry training and development for Maori media.

$5,000 - $200,000

Independent statutory entity supporting Maori language revitalisation in homes and communities through the Maihi Maori Strategy. Distributes contestable investment funding through eight regional Kahui clusters. Open to individuals, whanau, businesses, organisations, and trusts (charitable, land, marae, iwi, whanau) with no limit on application amounts.

Te Puni Kokiri

Varies by fund stream. Maara Kai grants from $1,000. Larger economic development and housing funds can be $50,000+. Contact Nelson regional office for current opportunities.

Te Puni Kokiri (Ministry of Maori Development) offers a range of funds to advance Maori interests. Includes Whanau Ora, Maara Kai (community gardens), Maori housing, and various kaupapa Maori initiatives. Regional offices in Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill provide local support. Funds focus on skills, learning, education, and Maori economic enterprise. Multiple fund streams with different criteria and timeframes.

Te Wai Māori Trust

Māori Freshwater Fisheries Trust. Funds freshwater fish habitat and cultural health initiatives. Includes Te Matapuna Fund and scholarships. Also operates the Wai Ora Fund providing grants up to $50K.

$5,000 to $300,000. Distributed $3 million to 700 Wellington groups in 2025. More frequent grant rounds from 2026.

Public Trust-administered charitable trust for registered charitable and educational organisations in the Wellington provincial district (North Island south of Turangi, excluding Taranaki and Hawke's Bay). Funds initiatives improving quality of life for disadvantaged and marginalised people, children, young people, and older people. Grants between $5,000 and $300,000 via SmartyGrants.

The Gift Trust

Climate and conservation-focused philanthropic giving platform connecting donors to climate causes.

Average grant $15,770. Total distributed: $71,155,446 across 4,512 grants.

Gaming trust with 88% overall approval rate across 5,131 grant decisions. Distributed $71,155,446 total (average grant $15,770). Top categories: SPORT: 87% approval (1976 grants, avg $15,663); ARTS AND CULTURE: 82% approval (771 grants, avg $12,561); COMMUNITY: 99% approval (604 grants, avg $15,228).

Gaming trust typical grants. Board meets monthly or minimum quarterly to review applications.

DIA-registered Class 4 gaming trust based in Auckland. Supports amateur rugby, other sports teams, and charitable not-for-profit organisations in the Auckland region. Board meets monthly (minimum quarterly) to review applications.

The Tindall Foundation

$500 to $15,000. Year 1 up to $15,000, Year 2 up to $10,000, Year 3 up to $5,000 (declining scale). Local Donation Managers may have lower caps. No set rounds - apply anytime.

Philanthropic family foundation working throughout Aotearoa to support families, community and the environment. Three focus areas: Family/Whanau, Community, and Environment. No closing dates or donation rounds (apply anytime). Funding via regional Local Donation Managers (LDMs) or directly. Supports initiatives over 3 years on a declining scale. Submit at least 4 months before funds needed. Does not consider urgent or retrospective applications. Not GST registered, so donations never include GST.

DIA-registered Class 4 gaming trust. The Trusts Community Foundation distributes grants from gaming machine proceeds. Operates primarily in West Auckland communities.

Timaru District Council

5 grant programmes

Supports charitable institutions, community groups and organisations that have as their charitable objective(s) for the benefit to the people of South Canterbury.

$5,000 to $50,000+. Multi-year funding available.

Independent philanthropic foundation focused on building a fair, just and sustainable Aotearoa. Funds initiatives that address systemic issues affecting children, young people and their whanau/families. One of NZ's established private foundations. Does not fund retrospective costs or individuals.

Varies by grant type - annual, capital, programme, event, and individual grants. Quarterly rounds with deadlines in February, August, and October.

Formerly known as the TSB Community Trust, Toi Foundation has supported Taranaki communities for over 35 years with more than $200 million in grants. Funds annual, capital, programme, event, and individual grants aimed at creating a thriving, inclusive, and equitable Taranaki. Three quarterly grant rounds per year.

Community foundation for Te Tauihu (Top of the South). Grants $2,000-$8,000 to registered charities working with community. Single annual round in June.

$1,000 - $15,000

Volunteer-run not-for-profit supporting the development and maintenance of sustainable mountain bike-accessible trails in New Zealand. Funds building new trails, maintaining or upgrading existing trails on publicly accessible land. Supported by '1% for Trails' sponsors who donate 1% of revenue. Also partners with Federated Mountain Clubs and NZ Deerstalkers Association for backcountry projects.

$5,000 - $15,000

Twice-yearly grants of up to $15,000 for community-based projects near Transpower's National Grid assets. Projects must be within 2 km of overhead lines or other Transpower infrastructure and promote energy efficiency, electrification, sustainability, or access to energy. Around $300,000 allocated each year. Two-stage application process with EOI closing 30 April (winter) and 31 October (summer).

Environmental not-for-profit that provides free native trees to community groups, schools, iwi, hapu and whanau projects for biodiversity restoration. Through an online marketplace, Trees That Count matches donor funding with planting projects across Aotearoa. Has over 1,500 planting projects in its network, making it the largest native planting network in New Zealand.

Trillian Trust

Average grant size around $15,264. Total recent distribution: $13.6M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $13.6M across 892 grants in recent years. Active since 2022.

Average grant $11,198. Total distributed: $5,050,290 across 451 grants.

Gaming trust with 82% overall approval rate across 549 grant decisions. Distributed $5,050,290 total (average grant $11,198). Top categories: SPORT: 90% approval (351 grants, avg $11,734); COMMUNITY: 71% approval (60 grants, avg $12,254); RESEARCH AND EDUCATION: 57% approval (13 grants, avg $4,493).

Average grant $11,924. Total distributed: $15,441,997 across 1,295 grants.

Gaming trust with 94% overall approval rate across 1,383 grant decisions. Distributed $15,441,997 total (average grant $11,924). Top categories: SPORT: 93% approval (407 grants, avg $10,265); COMMUNITY: 95% approval (318 grants, avg $13,884); HEALTH / WELFARE / RESCUE SERVICES: 96% approval (197 grants, avg $11,148).

$1,000 minimum, no upper limit. For-purpose not-for-profit organisations in the Waikato region only. Does not fund individuals or family/whanau trusts.

Regional community trust serving the Waikato, including Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Waipa, Waikato, South Waikato, Waitomo, Otorohanga, Ruapehu districts and Hamilton city. Funds culture, arts, community development, environment, sports, recreation, and tangata whenua initiatives. Prioritises tangible local impact and volunteer involvement.

Waimakariri District Council

1 grant programme

Financially assists owners of historic heritage items listed in the Proposed District Plan to encourage and assist with work that benefits the heritage values of these sites.

Waimate District Council

6 grant programmes

Funds projects that enhance the local community in the Waimate District.

Waipa District Council

6 grant programmes

Funds community arts and cultural activities in the Waipā district.

Wairoa District Council

3 grant programmes

Funding provided by Creative New Zealand to support local arts activities, cultural traditions, and youth engagement.

Waitaki District Council

4 grant programmes

Supports opportunities for New Zealanders to participate in the arts in their local area.

Waitomo District Council

5 grant programmes

Supports arts and cultural activities that encourage local participation and diversity.

$50,000 - $1,000,000

Co-funds high-impact community road safety projects using revenue from personalised plates. Supports programmes developing road safety knowledge for young people aged 18 and under, helping 16-24 year olds obtain driver licences, and addressing road-related harm in communities. The 2025 round allocated $17 million across 22 projects. Must be a non-profit, legally incorporated with an active NZ Business Number.

$10,000 - $1,000,000

A whanau-led philanthropic foundation based in Otautahi Christchurch, focused on creating equitable opportunities for young people, their whanau, and their communities. Works proactively across housing, education, youth sector development, mental wellbeing, and cancer research with a strengths-based, bicultural approach.

We Care Community Trust

Average grant size around $15,095. Total recent distribution: $3.9M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $3.9M across 259 grants in recent years. Active since 2023.

Varies. One grant per 12-month period. Two rounds per year - deadlines 30 April and 31 October. Online applications only.

Community trust serving the West Coast/Te Tai o Poutini region, covering the Buller, Grey, and Westland districts. Funds seven sectors including arts, culture, heritage, community wellbeing, education, environment, health, sport, recreation, and youth. Applications twice yearly with deadlines in April and October.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council

6 grant programmes

Funds projects that promote social cohesion and culture within ethnic communities through creative activities.

Westland District Council

3 grant programmes

Funds projects that involve broad community participation in arts activities, support diverse cultural traditions, and engage young people.

Whakatane District Council

1 grant programme

Funds community climate action and youth development initiatives.

Active investment foundation. Funding not usually available if solicited (i.e. proactive grants rather than application-driven).

$5,000 - $100,000

Government-funded approach putting whanau and families at the centre of services and support. Since July 2025, four new commissioning agencies distribute funding: Rangitamiro (North Island north of Taupo), Mahutonga (North Island south/east of Taupo), Te Tauraki (South Island), and Tatou Collective (Pasifika nationwide). Wave funding is available once or twice a year to individuals, whanau, community groups, and businesses.

Quick Response up to $10,000. Community Support $10,001 to $100,000. Capital Projects over $100,000. Special Purpose up to $250,000 (housing). Four closing dates per year.

Community foundation serving the Rangitikei, Waimarino, and Whanganui districts. Offers four grant types from Quick Response (up to $10,000) through to Special Purpose grants (up to $250,000) for housing initiatives. Focuses on community wellbeing, at-risk youth, early childhood, and elderly support.

Whanganui District Council

3 grant programmes

Provides seed funding for not-for-profit climate action projects in the Whanganui district that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or enhance community resilience to climate change.

Whangarei District Council

2 grant programmes

Supports resident and ratepayer groups, citizen associations, and marae trusts for administration costs to support community activities.

Up to $2,000 for environmental advocacy; up to $10,000 for habitat restoration; up to $15,000 for pest control. Multi-year funding available for groups with a proven track record. Applications close 30 April each year.

Marlborough District Council environmental grants programme (now in its seventh year) supporting biodiversity outcomes. Three funding streams: Habitat Marlborough for native habitat restoration and freshwater quality improvements (up to $10,000), Protecting Marlborough for pest control initiatives (up to $15,000), and Environmental Advocacy for awareness-raising projects (up to $2,000). Applications close 30 April annually.

$1,000 - $15,000

In partnership with the Tindall Foundation, WWF-NZ supports communities and educational facilities to run projects that conserve and restore New Zealand's natural environments and native species. Provides one-off grants up to $15,000 for a one-year funding period. Applications open annually from 15 August to 15 September.

Youthtown Incorporated

Average grant size around $68,042. Total recent distribution: $4.1M

Gaming trust distributing Class 4 (pokie) grant funds. Distributed $4.1M across 60 grants in recent years. Active since 2021.