National funds

Fund nameAboutAmount availableFunding rounds
ANZ NZ Staff FoundationANZ staff in New Zealand support organisations and projects that make a difference in their communities.$25,000 maximum by each charity per funding round.February & August
Cannon Oceania Grants ProgrammeSupports initiatives based on the positive impact their project provides the environment or community, as well as how the Canon products will support the project to realise its success.VariesAnnually
Community Environment FundSupports community projects that focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving fresh water management, improving coastal management, or improving air quality.$10,000 - $300,000Bi-annually
Community Internship Programme The Community Internship Programme gives grants for community groups to employ skilled workers as interns. The grant pays the interns salary while they are away from their own workplace.VariesAnnually
Department of Conservation Community FundThe fund is directed at practical, on-the-ground projects. These projects will maintain and restore the diversity of our natural heritage.No limit - should reflect reasonable costs for project implementation.One funding round per year. Apply for a max of three years funding if project is multi-year.
Enhanced Access FundThe New Zealand Walking Access Commission administers a contestable fund to support projects aimed at enhancing access to New Zealand’s great outdoors.A maximum of $25,000 per project.Two funding rounds per year.
Fonterra Grassroots FundSupports projects that are in line with their values of quality, safety, well being, the environment and fostering community spirit.Between $500-$5,000Annually
Harcourts FoundationProvides grants to community-based organisations which need funding for projects and initiatives designed to benefit as many people as possible.Up to $10,000Quarterly
Kiwis for kiwi All community-based kiwi conservation groups, universities and recognised research facilities can apply. Must be registered charity and or designated group.VariesAnnually (March)
Lion FoundationFunds are available for any charitable, philanthropic or cultural purpose that benefits the local community.No limitOpen all year
Lottery Significant Projects Fund Provides support to organisations undertaking major community-based capital expenditure projects.$3 Million or more
Annually
Lottery Environment and Heritage CommitteeGrants to foster the conservation, preservation and promotion of New Zealand’s natural, physical and cultural heritage.$250,000 + but can also request less than thisOpen all year
Matauranga Kura Taiao Fund A contestable fund supporting hapū/iwi initiatives to retain and promote traditional Māori knowledge and its use in biodiversity management.TBCRe-opening July 2018
The Mazda FoundationAims include (but are not limited to) assistance towards the maintenance and improvement of the natural environment.TBCThree rounds a year (31 March, 30 June and 30 September).
Meridian Power Up Community Fund
Supports local projects in areas where there are Meridian wind farms and hydro stations.Varies Twice a year
Ministry of Youth DevelopmentEncourages young people to apply for small grants of between for Youth Development projects for and by young people aged 12-24 years.$2,000-$7,000Annually
Nga Whenua RahuiSupports the protection of indigenous ecosystems on Māori-owned land while honouring the rights guaranteed to landowners under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.TBCQuarterly
Nature Heritage FundProvides financial incentives to encourage the conservation of nationally significant heritage places in private ownership.No limit2-3 times a year
The New Zealand Game Bird Habitat TrustDistributes funding for the development and enhancement of habitat for the benefit of game birds and other wildlife.Up to $5,000 Closes 30 June each year
QE11 National TrustTo encourage and promote the provision, protection and enhancement of open space for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of New Zealand.Contact directly. The Stephenson Fund provides grants of $2,000 - $20,000 for pest & weed control, revegetation, fencingOpen all year
R D & E A Greenwood Environmental TrustTo assist preservation and protection of the natural environment of New Zealand. Contact: Warwick Greenwood, the Managing Trustee, at PO Box 10-359, Wellington.Up to $300,000Annually
Sargood BequestGrants to projects and activities in the children & youth, cultural, sports & outdoors, educational and environmental areas with a focus on access, participation and inspiration.Up to $5,000Annually, close on 31 Dec
TreemendousTeaches children about the importance of caring for the environment through the development of outdoor classrooms$10,000
TechsoupThe Techsoup programme is designed to be a simple way for charitable organisations in New Zealand to access the technology they need to do their important work.Discounts, tech information and access to donated tech products.Open all year
The Pacific Development and Conservation TrustDistributes grants to groups and individuals in the South Pacific for a range of development and conservation projects.From $2,000 - $50,000Two rounds a year, February and August
The Trusts Community FoundationProvides funding for a wide range of clubs, charities and community groups, in fields as diverse as sport, arts, culture, health and education.A total fund per year of $11 million is distributed11 rounds a year
The Tindall FoundationSupports communities and organisations who are in need of support.$500 - $15,000All year
The Trail FundBike track related projects.
TBCThree times a year
Transpower Community Care FundOne-off grants for projects to community groups in areas along the existing National Grid route, as well as communities affected by new Transpower projects.$5,000-$50,000Twice a year
WWF Community Conservation FundSupports communities to run projects that conserve and restore New Zealand's natural environment - freshwater, coastal, wetlands, forest and dunelands. Up to $15,000September - October
WWF Environmental Education Action FundSupport schools and communities who, as part of their learning, are taking hands-on action to address an environmental issue.Up to $15,000September - October