Deadline: 15-Aug-2026
The ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation provides grants of up to NZ$25,000 to registered New Zealand charities delivering projects that strengthen individuals, communities, and the environment. The Foundation supports initiatives focused on financial literacy, education, community resilience, environmental conservation, and economic independence.
Funded through payroll giving by ANZ New Zealand employees and matched by the bank, the Foundation has awarded more than NZ$9 million to over 1,000 charities and community projects since its establishment in 2000.
ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation Overview
The ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation is a charitable funding programme that supports registered charities across New Zealand working to create positive and lasting community impact.
The Foundation is financed through voluntary payroll donations from ANZ New Zealand employees, with the bank contributing an additional NZ$2 for every NZ$1 donated by staff. This funding model enables the Foundation to invest in projects that improve lives, strengthen communities, and protect New Zealand’s natural and historic environment.
Since 2000, the Foundation has distributed more than NZ$9 million in grants to over 1,000 charitable organisations and community initiatives.
Funding Purpose
The Foundation aims to support projects that improve social, economic, educational, and environmental outcomes throughout New Zealand.
Projects should contribute to one or more of the Foundation’s funding priorities while creating measurable community benefits.
Funding Amount
Eligible organisations may apply for:
- Grants of up to NZ$25,000 per funding round
Organisations that received Foundation funding within the previous 12 months are generally not eligible to apply again unless the funding rounds are more than 11 months apart.
Priority Funding Areas
The Foundation supports projects that align with one or more of the following priorities.
Financial Literacy
Projects that help individuals and families improve their financial knowledge and money management skills.
Examples include:
- Financial education programmes
- Budgeting workshops
- Debt management education
- Savings and financial planning initiatives
Economic and Social Independence
Projects that empower people to become more financially secure and socially independent.
Examples include:
- Employment readiness programmes
- Skills development
- Entrepreneurship support
- Community enterprise initiatives
Education and Learning Opportunities
The Foundation supports initiatives that improve access to education and lifelong learning.
Projects may include:
- Skills training
- Career development programmes
- Educational support services
- Workforce preparation initiatives
Community Development
Funding is available for projects that strengthen communities and encourage collaboration.
Eligible initiatives may focus on:
- Community resilience
- Volunteer engagement
- Local partnerships
- Social inclusion
- Community wellbeing
Environmental and Heritage Conservation
The Foundation also supports projects that protect and preserve New Zealand’s natural and historic resources.
Examples include:
- Environmental conservation
- Habitat restoration
- Biodiversity protection
- Heritage preservation
- Community environmental education
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to:
- Registered New Zealand charities
Applicants must demonstrate that their project aligns with at least one of the Foundation’s funding priorities.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The Foundation does not provide funding for:
- Schools
- Sports clubs
- Endowments
- Fundraising events or campaigns
- Capital building projects
- Construction of new buildings
- Debt repayment
- Operating budget deficits
- Overseas conference expenses
- Travel costs
- Organisations already sponsored by ANZ New Zealand
- Projects conducted outside New Zealand
The Foundation also generally does not fund:
- Routine operating expenses
- Administrative costs
- Salaries
However, specialist services that directly benefit project participants may be considered.
Equipment requests are only eligible when the equipment is essential to delivering the organisation’s services.
Eligible Project Expenses
Funding may support costs directly related to approved community projects.
Examples include:
- Programme delivery expenses
- Essential specialist services
- Critical operational equipment
- Project materials
- Community engagement activities
Projects should clearly demonstrate how requested funding contributes directly to community outcomes.
Why This Grant Matters
The ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation helps charities expand programmes that create meaningful and lasting change.
The programme supports organisations that:
- Improve financial capability
- Increase employment opportunities
- Strengthen local communities
- Expand educational access
- Protect the environment
- Improve quality of life
By investing in practical community initiatives, the Foundation contributes to stronger, more resilient communities across New Zealand.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps before submitting a funding request.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation:
- Is a registered New Zealand charity
- Meets the Foundation’s eligibility requirements
- Has not received Foundation funding within the previous 12 months (unless eligible under the timing rules)
Step 2: Develop Your Project Proposal
Prepare a proposal outlining:
- Project objectives
- Community need
- Activities
- Expected outcomes
- Budget
- Timeline
Clearly explain how the project aligns with the Foundation’s funding priorities.
Step 3: Review the Funding Guidelines
Applicants should carefully review the Foundation’s terms and conditions before applying.
These include information about:
- Application requirements
- Privacy and data protection
- Use of personal information
- Applicant rights
- Communication during the assessment process
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete the application according to the Foundation’s requirements and include all requested supporting information.
Selection Considerations
Applications are likely to be assessed based on:
- Alignment with Foundation priorities
- Community impact
- Organisational capacity
- Project feasibility
- Budget justification
- Expected outcomes
Projects with strong evidence of measurable community benefit are likely to be more competitive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying Without Meeting Eligibility
Ensure your organisation is a registered New Zealand charity before applying.
Requesting Ineligible Expenses
Avoid including costs such as fundraising events, debt repayment, overseas travel, or capital construction.
Weak Community Impact
Clearly explain who will benefit and how success will be measured.
Unclear Budget
Provide a detailed and realistic budget that directly supports project activities.
Ignoring Funding Priorities
Projects should clearly align with one or more of the Foundation’s priority areas.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate measurable community outcomes.
- Explain how funding will create long-term impact.
- Show strong organisational experience.
- Provide a realistic implementation plan.
- Include a detailed and transparent project budget.
- Focus on direct benefits for New Zealand communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for the ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation Grant?
Registered New Zealand charities whose projects align with the Foundation’s funding priorities.
2. How much funding is available?
Eligible organisations may request up to NZ$25,000 per funding round.
3. What types of projects are supported?
Projects focused on financial literacy, education, economic independence, community development, and environmental or heritage conservation.
4. Can schools or sports clubs apply?
No. Schools and sports clubs are not eligible for funding.
5. Are salaries and operating costs eligible?
Generally, no. However, specialist services that directly support beneficiaries may be considered.
6. Can previously funded charities apply again?
Yes, but organisations that have received funding within the previous 12 months are generally not eligible unless the funding rounds are more than 11 months apart.
7. Does the Foundation fund projects outside New Zealand?
No. Only projects that benefit communities within New Zealand are eligible.
Conclusion
The ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation Grants Programme provides valuable financial support to registered charities working to improve communities across New Zealand.
With grants of up to NZ$25,000, the programme funds initiatives that strengthen financial capability, education, employment, community resilience, and environmental conservation. Eligible charities with projects that demonstrate clear community impact and align with the Foundation’s priorities are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation.