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Applications open for the Foundation North Fund in New Zealand

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

The Foundation North Fund by the Rule Foundation provides grants for Takatāpui, MVPFAFF+, and Rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Te Tai Tokerau (Northland). The fund supports not-for-profit activities including events, advocacy, arts, education, and community programs, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $70,000. Applications are project-based, region-specific, and prioritize initiatives benefiting Māori, Pacific, transgender, and intersex communities.

The Foundation North Fund aims to address specific needs within Rainbow, Takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ communities in Auckland and Northland. It provides financial support for charitable, not-for-profit organizations undertaking regionally based activities that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and community development.

Fund Objectives

  • Support events, programs, advocacy, arts, sports, cultural, and educational initiatives.

  • Prioritize Māori, Pacific peoples, transgender, and intersex community-focused projects.

  • Fund research, co-designed or commissioned with Rainbow community organizations.

  • Provide equitable support to strengthen Rainbow, Takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ communities locally.

Funding Details

  • Small projects: Up to $10,000.

  • Large projects: Up to $70,000.

  • International costs: Eligible only if delivering exceptional benefit to the Rainbow community.

  • Priority funding: $3,000 per person for events and initiatives, limited to once every five years for individuals and once every two years for groups.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible organizations include:

  • Charitable trusts and incorporated societies.

  • Marae and statutory bodies.

  • Branches of organizations registered under Acts of Parliament.

  • Entities registered under relevant legislation or companies demonstrating charitable purpose.

Ineligible applicants:

  • Groups already receiving Foundation North funding.

  • Projects outside Tāmaki Makaurau or Te Tai Tokerau.

  • Retrospective projects, fundraising, debt repayment, refinancing, endowments, or activities promoting religion or political parties.

Why It Matters

This fund strengthens Rainbow, Takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ communities by:

  • Providing financial resources for meaningful, locally-focused projects.

  • Supporting leadership, education, advocacy, and community-building initiatives.

  • Enabling inclusion and representation for Māori, Pacific, transgender, and intersex communities.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Define the Project: Ensure it aligns with fund priorities and has a clear purpose and measurable outcomes.

  2. Check Eligibility: Confirm organization type, project location, and funding history.

  3. Prepare Documentation: Include project plan, budget, supporting quotes, and any research collaboration details.

  4. Consider Travel Needs: International costs are permitted only for exemplary community benefit.

  5. Submit Application: Only one application per organization per 12 months.

  6. Deadline: 5pm, Friday 27 February 2026.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Alignment with fund objectives and community priorities.

  • Demonstrated benefit to the Rainbow, Takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ communities.

  • Feasibility and organizational capacity to deliver the project.

  • Innovation, impact, and sustainability of outcomes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying while already receiving Foundation North funding.

  • Submitting projects outside Auckland or Northland.

  • Requesting funds for ineligible activities like debt repayment, fundraising, or political/religious objectives.

  • Ignoring community involvement or failing to demonstrate direct benefit to Rainbow communities.

  • Applying multiple times within 12 months for the same organization.

FAQ

  1. Can an individual apply? No, only organizations or groups are eligible.

  2. Can my organization submit more than one application in a year? No, only one application per 12-month period.

  3. Are international projects eligible? Only if they provide exemplary benefit to the Rainbow community.

  4. What is the maximum grant amount? $10,000 for small projects, $70,000 for larger projects.

  5. Are research projects funded? Yes, if co-designed or commissioned with Rainbow community organizations and locally beneficial.

  6. Can groups act as fund holders for smaller initiatives? Yes, this does not affect their own eligibility.

  7. Are retrospective projects eligible? No, funding is only for future or ongoing projects.

Conclusion

The Foundation North Fund provides essential support to Rainbow, Takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ communities in Auckland and Northland, enabling charitable organizations to deliver impactful, locally-focused projects. With tiered funding, clear eligibility, and a focus on community benefit, this fund promotes inclusion, leadership, and positive social outcomes. Organizations are encouraged to apply well-prepared, ensuring projects align with the Fund’s priorities for maximum impact.

For more information, visit Rule Foundation.