Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
The Harcourts Foundation provides grants to community organisations across New Zealand to support projects that enhance social welfare, education, arts, culture, and the care of vulnerable populations. The foundation partners with Hospice New Zealand to fund essential equipment and services, contributing over $350,000 to local hospices. Priority is given to initiatives with broad community impact that are scheduled within six months of receiving funding.
Overview of the Harcourts Foundation
The Harcourts Foundation supports community organisations through its grant programme, funding initiatives that improve the wellbeing of communities across New Zealand. Its objectives include advancing social welfare, relieving poverty, supporting the aged, children, young people, and people with disabilities, promoting community development, fostering art and culture, and enhancing education through schools, universities, and other educational establishments.
Partnership with Hospice New Zealand
The foundation has partnered with Hospice New Zealand through the Hospice NZ Grants programme, enabling member hospices to purchase essential equipment. Since the partnership began, the foundation has contributed more than $350,000 to hospices nationwide, supporting care for individuals and families during challenging times. This partnership has earned the Harcourts Foundation a Silver Partner medal from Hospice New Zealand in recognition of its contributions to hospice care.
Who is Eligible
Grants are provided to reputable community-based organisations that require funding for projects or initiatives designed to benefit as many people as possible. Priority is given to applications that demonstrate potential for wide community impact. Each application must relate to a specific project, item, or initiative, and activities must be scheduled to occur within six months of receiving the grant.
Funding and Use of Grants
Grants cannot be used for items already purchased or for initiatives that have already taken place. Funds must be used for the purpose described in the application, and any unused amounts must be returned for allocation to other eligible organisations. Applications from organisations with multiple branches are reviewed independently; previous grants awarded to one branch do not guarantee approval for another.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications online through the designated portal, providing details about the project, the intended outcomes, and the requested funding amount. Applications must demonstrate clear community benefits and alignment with the foundation’s objectives, including social welfare, education, cultural promotion, or care for vulnerable groups.
Why It Matters
The Harcourts Foundation strengthens communities by funding initiatives that enhance social welfare, cultural engagement, and educational opportunities, and by supporting organisations that provide care and services for vulnerable populations. Through partnerships like the Hospice NZ Grants programme, the foundation ensures that local initiatives have meaningful, measurable impact.
Common Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Tips for Applicants: Submit applications for specific projects with clear timelines, demonstrate broad community impact, and ensure funds will be used as intended. Common Mistakes: Applying for past projects or purchases, requesting funding for non-eligible initiatives, or assuming previous grants guarantee approval for new applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply? Community-based organisations across New Zealand.
2. What types of projects are funded? Social welfare initiatives, educational programmes, arts and culture, care for vulnerable populations, and community development projects.
3. Can funds be used for past purchases? No, funding must be for new initiatives or items.
4. Is there a timeline for project implementation? Yes, projects must occur within six months of receiving the grant.
5. Can multiple branches of an organisation apply? Yes, but each application is reviewed independently.
6. How are applications submitted? Online via the Harcourts Foundation application portal.
7. Are priority projects considered differently? Yes, projects demonstrating potential for wide community impact are prioritised.
Conclusion
The Harcourts Foundation empowers community organisations across New Zealand by providing grants that enhance wellbeing, support vulnerable populations, and foster social, cultural, and educational development. By prioritising initiatives with wide community impact and supporting partnerships such as Hospice NZ, the foundation ensures its funding contributes to meaningful, sustainable change.
For more information, visit Harcourts Foundation.