Funding
Support for the communities of today, to shape the communities of tomorrowWhy we fund
We are the community trust for Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau
- see the Foundation's boundaries.
As a strategic grant maker, looking to contribute towards better outcomes for present and future generations, we want our funding to support services, initiatives and events that will enhance the lives of people in our communities.
We support activity that will have impact across four focus areas:
Increased Equity
Hāpai te ōritetangaEquity means that everyone in society is valued the same and has the same access to opportunities. An equitable society is one that is fair, without bias and where all people can thrive on their own terms.
We want to improve equity in our communities now and for future generations.
We do this by supporting priority communities across our region to decide what they need, lead their own solutions and achieve their hopes and dreams.
Our priority communities are Māori and Pacific Peoples, as well as the wider communities of Northland and South Auckland. We also prioritise solutions that place children and young people at the centre.
We support activity that will lead to:
- Thriving tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
- Improved equity and wellbeing as Māori and as Pacific peoples
- Communities leading their own solutions and changing systems
- Tangata whenua as partners in decision making
- Māori and Pacific languages and cultures thriving
Social Inclusion
Whakauru maiSocial inclusion means that everyone feels valued and included as part of our society, can access opportunities and influence decisions that affect them.
We support approaches that reduce discrimination and racism and increase social inclusion. Former refugees, new migrants (fewer than five years in New Zealand), rainbow communities and people living with a disability are our priority.
We support activity that will lead to:
- Greater sense of belonging, acceptance and inclusion
- Inclusive laws and policies
- Equal access to opportunity
- Self-determination and influencing decision making
- Meaningful participation in society by diverse communities
Regenerative Environment
Whakahou taiaoA regenerative environment approach supports a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and Te Taiao (the environment).
We support joined-up approaches to conserving, restoring and renewing the environment so that Te Taiao and people can flourish together. Initiatives proposed by tangata whenua are our priority.
We support activity that will lead to:
- Ecosystems and communities being renewed and regenerated
- Mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledge, practices and approaches) being recognised, valued and implemented
- Tino rangatiratanga – community-led action for Te Taiao
- Connection and access to Te Taiao
Community Support
Hāpori awhinaParticipation in positive activities improves community wellbeing.
We will support activity that will lead to:
- Communities coming together and social connection
- Access to and participation in community activities and spaces
- Increased skills and creativity
- Community pride
- Community resilience
Our funding priorities
With a targeted approach across our rohe and our focus areas, we prioritise:
- Tangata Whenua
- Pacific Peoples
- Communities of Northland
- Communities of South Auckland
- Children and young people
- Former refugees
- New migrants
- Rainbow communities
- People living with a disability.
We also prioritise initiatives, actions and activities which focus on:
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi - increasing understanding and giving effect to Te Tiriti
- Climate change action – mitigation and adaptation to the threats posed by climate change.
Our funding opportunities
We have two funding programmes that are open all year, and that you can apply for online at any time.
We also offer funding that works in new ways to achieve impact and advances the kaupapa of our focus areas. This is available on an invitation basis or tend to be experimental programmes that are available for fixed periods– see below for programmes that are currently open:
Foundation boundaries
If your organisation is outside the boundaries of our region, an application can still be considered if it will provide benefit to our region.
Please contact us to find out whether you should apply.
The Foundation's southern boundary is from Port Waikato Head following the Waikato River to the Whangamarino River, then along the Whangamarino River, before following the Mangatangi Stream to where it adjoins Mangatangi Road. The boundary then runs from the corner of Monument and Miranda Roads straight to Miranda. Our region covers all areas north of this, up to Cape Reinga and including the islands in the Hauraki Gulf.
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Upcoming funding events
Lifewise: A Place to Call Home
Auckland City Centre ‘Housing First’ programme is a partnership between Lifewise and Auckland City Mission, both grantees within our Catalysts For Change programme.
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