How to fund your charity

On this page you will find some examples of funding options that are available for New Zealand charities and not-for-profit organisations.

Charities consistently tell us that achieving reliable and stable funding is one of their biggest challenges. Charities Services does not provide funding, that is not our role. However, there are a number of organisations throughout Aotearoa New Zealand that do provide funding support for charities, including other business groups within the Department of Internal Affairs.

How to fund your charity


This page outlines common funding options available to charities and not-for-profit organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Many charities tell us that finding reliable and sustainable funding is a key challenge. Charities Services does not provide funding. However, a range of organisations across New Zealand offer funding support.

Funding from government agencies

Department of Internal Affairs

The Department of Internal Affairs supports strong and sustainable communities. Several groups within the Department provide funding for community organisations.
Community Operations
  • Provides Lottery and Crown grant funding.
  • Offers advice, resources and a funding calendar.
Gambling Group
  • Distributes funding through gaming machine societies.
  • These societies operate gaming machines and make grants to not-for-profit organisations.
Office of Ethnic Communities
  • Offers the Ethnic Communities Development Fund for projects that support ethnic communities.
  • Administers the Ethnic Communities Digital Inclusion Fund to help improve access to digital technology.

Other government agencies

Several government agencies offer funding aligned with their areas of focus:
  • Department of Conservation
    supports environmental protection initiatives.
  • Ministry for Culture and Heritage
    funds projects that advance arts, culture and heritage.
  • Ministry of Youth Development
    funds initiatives that support young people and their wellbeing.
  • Te Puni Kōkiri
    provides funding for organisations with a kaupapa Māori focus.
  • Ministry for Pacific Peoples
    supports Pacific individuals, families and communities.
  • Oranga Tamariki
    funds initiatives that support children and young people.
  • Ministry for the Environment
    manages a range of environmental funds.
  • Creative New Zealand
    supports arts projects across Aotearoa.

Funding for Māori organisations

Some funds are specifically designed to support Māori organisations and kaupapa Māori initiatives.
You can find a list of these funds on the Te Ao Māori webpages under Te tono pūtea – Funding.

Local council funding

Many local councils provide funding to community organisations.
  • Each council has its own criteria and funding priorities.
  • Check your local council website to see what your charity may be eligible for.

Community trusts

Community trusts operate across different regions of New Zealand and provide funding to charities.
Examples include:
  • Wellington Community Trust
  • Eastern and Central Community Trust
  • West Coast Community Trust
Check your regional community trust to explore available funding opportunities.

Donor advised funds

Donor advised funds allow donors to contribute money while still having input into how it is distributed.
These funds can be useful if:
  • you want to continue supporting community projects
  • your organisation is winding up but still wants to contribute to its purpose
Examples include:
  • Community Foundations of New Zealand
  • The Gift Trust

Scholarships

Funding may also be available through scholarships and education opportunities.
  • Most tertiary institutions list scholarships on their websites.
  • The Govt.nz website also provides information about available scholarships.

Funding from other charities

Some charities provide funding to other charities.
To find these:
  • Use the Advanced Search on the Charity Register.
  • Filter by “Main Beneficiary: Other Charities”.
  • Check the “Areas of Operation” to see where they work.
You can then search individual organisations to learn more about their funding.
Examples of funding charities include:
  • The Lion Foundation
  • Rotary Foundation
  • The Tindall Foundation
  • Todd Foundation
  • JR McKenzie Trust
  • Hugh Green Foundation
  • Sport New Zealand

Other funding sources

This page provides a starting point only. There are many other funding opportunities available.
Funding databases
  • Generosity New Zealand offers a large searchable funding database.
  • You may be able to access this through your local library.
Crowdfunding platforms
  • Givealittle
  • PledgeMe
These platforms can help you raise funds directly from the public.

Key points to remember

  • Charities Services does not provide funding.
  • Many funding options exist across government, trusts and private organisations.
  • Eligibility criteria differ, so check each fund carefully.
  • Combining different funding sources can improve financial stability.