Deadline: 26-Aug-2026

The Harcourts Foundation provides grants to community-based organisations across New Zealand that deliver positive social, educational, cultural, and community outcomes. Funding supports charities, schools, community groups, hospices, and other not-for-profit organisations that can demonstrate broad and lasting benefits for local communities.

What is the Harcourts Foundation?

The Harcourts Foundation is the charitable arm of Harcourts New Zealand, established in 2008 to support community organisations and charitable initiatives throughout the country.

The Foundation raises funds through donations from Harcourts team members and distributes grants to projects that improve community wellbeing, support vulnerable populations, strengthen education, promote culture, and encourage community development.

Since its establishment, the Foundation has contributed more than $10 million to charities, community groups, schools, and crisis response initiatives across New Zealand.

Program Objectives

The Foundation aims to:

• Strengthen local communities.
• Support vulnerable individuals and families.
• Promote education and learning opportunities.
• Advance social welfare and community wellbeing.
• Encourage arts and cultural development.
• Support community facilities and services.
• Assist organisations delivering meaningful community impact.

Funding Priorities

The Harcourts Foundation supports projects that create measurable and lasting benefits for communities.

Key Focus Areas

Social and Community Welfare

Funding supports initiatives that improve quality of life and community wellbeing.

Examples include:

• Community support services
• Family assistance programs
• Social inclusion projects
• Welfare initiatives

Poverty Relief

Projects that help reduce hardship and support disadvantaged individuals and families are encouraged.

Examples include:

• Emergency assistance programs
• Food and essential services support
• Community outreach initiatives

Support for Vulnerable Groups

The Foundation supports programs benefiting:

• Older people
• Children
• Young people
• People with disabilities
• Families facing challenges

Community Development

Funding may support projects that:

• Increase social participation
• Improve economic participation
• Strengthen local communities
• Build community capacity

Arts and Culture

The Foundation promotes cultural enrichment through support for:

• Arts programs
• Cultural activities
• Community creative initiatives
• Heritage and cultural preservation projects

Education

Educational initiatives are an important funding priority.

Support may include:

• School projects
• Learning resources
• Educational programs
• Community education initiatives

Educational Facilities

Funding may assist facilities that benefit:

• Schools
• Universities
• Educational institutions
• Learning environments

Hospice New Zealand Grants Programme

One of the Foundation’s most significant partnerships is with Hospice New Zealand.

Partnership Impact

Since 2017, the Harcourts Foundation has contributed more than $380,000 to local hospices throughout New Zealand.

Funding has helped hospices purchase:

• Medical equipment
• Care support resources
• Patient comfort equipment
• Essential service delivery tools

The partnership helps improve care and support for patients and their families.

Community Crisis Support

The Foundation also responds to community emergencies and crisis situations.

Types of Crisis Support

Funding may assist communities affected by:

• Natural disasters
• Local emergencies
• Community recovery efforts
• Urgent social needs

This support helps communities recover and rebuild during challenging times.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Organisations

The Foundation primarily supports:

• Registered charities
• Community-based organisations
• Not-for-profit organisations
• Schools
• Community groups
• Social service providers
• Educational institutions

Preferred Applicants

Priority is given to organisations that:

• Have a strong community reputation.
• Demonstrate accountability and good governance.
• Deliver services that benefit large numbers of people.
• Create sustainable community outcomes.
• Address clearly identified community needs.

What Types of Projects Can Be Funded?

Eligible projects may include:

Community Services

• Community support programs
• Youth development initiatives
• Family assistance services

Education Projects

• School improvement initiatives
• Learning resources
• Educational programs

Arts and Cultural Activities

• Community arts programs
• Cultural celebrations
• Creative development projects

Disability Support

• Accessibility improvements
• Disability services
• Community inclusion initiatives

Community Infrastructure

• Equipment purchases
• Facility improvements
• Community resource development

Health and Wellbeing

• Community health projects
• Hospice support initiatives
• Wellbeing programs

Why This Funding Matters

The Harcourts Foundation focuses on funding projects that generate broad and lasting benefits.

Community Benefits

Funding can help:

• Improve quality of life.
• Strengthen local services.
• Increase community participation.
• Support vulnerable populations.
• Enhance educational opportunities.
• Promote cultural development.
• Build stronger, more resilient communities.

How Funding is Generated

A unique aspect of the Foundation is its community-driven funding model.

Source of Funding

Funding comes from:

• Contributions by Harcourts New Zealand team members.
• Donations linked to property sale commissions.
• Community fundraising efforts.

Local Decision-Making

Local Harcourts offices:

• Identify community needs.
• Recommend local projects.
• Support local charities and organisations.
• Help direct funds where they can achieve the greatest impact.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Funding Priorities

Ensure your project aligns with one or more Foundation focus areas.

Step 2: Demonstrate Community Impact

Clearly explain:

• The community need being addressed.
• Who will benefit.
• Expected outcomes.
• Long-term impact.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Information

Include details about:

• Your organisation.
• Project objectives.
• Budget requirements.
• Community benefits.

Step 4: Submit Application

Complete the Foundation’s application process and provide all required documentation.

Step 5: Await Assessment

Applications are assessed based on:

• Community benefit
• Organisational credibility
• Alignment with Foundation priorities
• Potential impact

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

1. Failing to Demonstrate Community Impact

Applications should clearly show how the project benefits the wider community.

2. Weak Project Planning

Provide realistic objectives, timelines, and budgets.

3. Limited Evidence of Need

Support your application with information demonstrating the community need being addressed.

4. Unclear Outcomes

Clearly explain the results and benefits expected from the project.

5. Poor Alignment with Funding Priorities

Ensure the project directly supports one or more of the Foundation’s focus areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Harcourts Foundation?

The Harcourts Foundation is the charitable arm of Harcourts New Zealand that provides grants to community organisations and charitable initiatives across New Zealand.

2. Who can apply for funding?

Community groups, charities, schools, not-for-profit organisations, and other eligible community-based organisations may apply.

3. What types of projects are funded?

Projects related to community welfare, poverty relief, education, arts and culture, disability support, community development, and social services.

4. Does the Foundation support hospices?

Yes. Through its partnership with Hospice New Zealand, the Foundation provides funding for equipment and services that improve hospice care.

5. How are funding decisions made?

Priority is given to reputable organisations that can demonstrate broad and lasting community benefits.

6. Where does the Foundation’s funding come from?

Funding comes primarily from donations made by Harcourts team members through contributions linked to property sale commissions.

7. What makes a strong application?

Strong applications clearly demonstrate community need, measurable impact, organisational capability, and alignment with Foundation priorities.

Conclusion

The Harcourts Foundation is a significant source of community funding in New Zealand, supporting charities, schools, community groups, and social service organisations that create positive and lasting change. By investing in education, community welfare, arts and culture, disability support, and local development initiatives, the Foundation continues to strengthen communities and improve lives across New Zealand.

For more information, visit Harcourts Foundation.