Funding for the sector
The Funding Information Service is the key place to find sources of community funding.
The Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector does not fund non-profit organisations.
The OCVS provides good practice guidance to government agencies on how funding should be provided to non-profit organisations.
Find funding via the Funding Information Service
The Funding Information Service’s FundView, BreakOut and CorporateCitizens data is available by subscription or free in public libraries and council offices. It is searchable by geographic area, demographic target, and activity type.
The following grants and funds are just some of those available
- Funding is available through the Local Government and Community branch of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
In 2008/09 over $18 million dollars was distributed to communities through funding schemes administered by DIA.
» Find out the names and closing dates of these funding schemes - Lottery Grants and Community Grants Schemes
Grants Online enables visitors to complete online applications to Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS) and/or Lottery Grants Board. The site offers helpful prompts to ensure information is easily understood and applications are quickly and efficiently completed.
Lottery Grants are available for different types of projects and services, which include grants for projects that enable or encourage community self-reliance, capacity building and stability, opportunities for social, civil or cultural participation and reducing or removing barriers to such participation. Administered within the Department of Internal Affairs, there are seven community grants or funding schemes to support local initiatives, community services and community-based youth development.
» To apply go to Grants Online - Family and Community Services funding
Family and Community Services fund over 600 organisations to provide services that support families and strengthen communities through grants or contracts.
» For more information go to the Family and Community Services website -
Child, Youth and Family funding
The Contracting group of Child, Youth and Family approves and contracts with community organisations to provide social services for children, young people, families and communities. It supports the development of new ways of working to help build stronger communities and to enable communities to provide better support for families and whanau.
» See more about who can apply for funding on the Child, Youth and Family website - Community Max
Community Max supports the completion of projects that benefit the community or the environment and that would not otherwise be done, while creating jobs for young people. Community Max provides a wage subsidy for six months for young people helping complete community-based projects. Projects could include renovating public buildings such as marae or public spaces, or improving access to local environment such as parks and reserves.
» Learn more about Community Max on the Work and Income website - Charitable Trusts administered by the Public Trust
The Public Trust website lists regional charitable trusts that make grants.
» View the list on the Public Trust website
These publications and guides may help you identify new sources of funding
- The online Cultural Funding Guide can help cultural groups match projects with potential funders. It was developed by Creative New Zealand, National Services Te Paerangi (Te Papa) and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage with the Funding Information Service.
- Creative New Zealand has also produced a Donations Toolkit to help you find the right donors.
- SPARC hosts a directory of potential funding for sporting organisations.
- Exult’s Seriously Good Guide to Fundraising handbook provides practical information to community groups in all sectors. It has a local focus - Tauranga/Western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua/Eastern Bay of Plenty editions have been released, with others to follow. It is free to organisations within the local area. Those outside the area can purchase copies for $12.
- Foresee Communications Ltd offers free advice and a complimentary monthly e-newsletter packed full of fundraising ideas and knowledge –e-mail kirsty@foresee.co.nz to register. They also produce Fundraising In New Zealand - a monthly subscriber publication, and a range of fundraising kits and resources on fundraising - check their website for current stock www.foresee.co.nz.
- Foresee’s Sponsorship Profile (also monthly) features case studies, trends, advice, information on the sponsorship industry both in New Zealand and internationally, or order The Beginner’s Guide to Sponsorship - written by Heather Newell.
Other links to funding ideas and information
» Visit Give it Up – a NZ website encouraging Kiwis to donate tax cuts.
» Visit www.donatenz.com – a portal where individuals, organisations and companies can donate goods, time and discounts to schools, early childhood and not-for-profit organisations in New Zealand.
» Fundraise online at the Givealittle website, where 95% of donations go directly to a donee's chosen charity.
» For a 5% service fee to cover transaction processing costs, charities can set up their own page to raise funds on the internet at FundraiseOnline.co.nz.
» Visit www.ammado.com, which connects nonprofits, socially responsible companies and engaged individuals online.

