Apply for a grant
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 GRANTS ROUND OPEN 1st SEPTEMBER 2025
Applications for the 2026 Grants Round will be open from 1st September to 30th November 2025.
Updated grants criteria and application guidelines for the 2026 Grants Round will be available in August 2025.
The Trustees Grants Meeting, at which all applications are considered, is usually held around February/March following the application closing date of 30th November. Grants are usually paid out by the end of April.
Eligibility
Fundseekers and their beneficiaries must be based in New Zealand
Fundseekers do not need to be a registered charity or not-for-profit, but they must demonstrate high standards of integrity and ethical conduct, with the capacity to manage funds effectively and deliver lasting community benefit.
Request must be for specific equipment, infrastructure, services, capacity building or operational support (excluding wages or salaries)
Requests must not be retrospective. We do not fund any expenses that have already been paid for or events that have taken place prior to the Trustees’ review in March of the year following the application.
Application guidelines
To help us understand your project and how this funding would support it, please consider the following in your application:
Explain how the request will create practical, tangible impact
Show evidence of community connection and a collaborative approach and demonstrate how your project aligns with our values of Access, Participation, and Inspiration
Let us know what’s already in place and how this funding would enable or unlock progress
Include photos, visuals or links – these help us see your work in action and understand the context
Be clear and specific about how the funds will be used, even if your budget is simple
You don’t need to provide quotes, but it helps us understand how this grant fits into your budget
If you don’t have formal financial statements, please upload whatever records you do have (e.g. spreadsheet, bank statements, summary of income/expenses). We’re looking for a picture of your organisation’s financial position so we can understand your capacity to deliver the project and how the funding fits in.
If applying as an individual:
Outline the benefit to the wider community of the project and funding
Attach two referee documents under “Supporting documentation”
Provide income and financial information to show financial need (e.g. IRD income summaries or similar records). This can be from the parent/caregiver if applying on behalf of a child.
Attach a budget and quotes to explain the amount requested, including details of personal fundraising efforts and other funding received or applied for