Deadline: 05-Aug-2026
The Special Purpose Grant Program supports New Zealand-based initiatives that strengthen cancer care, cancer services, and cancer-related support activities. Grants of up to NZD 80,000 plus GST are available over two years for projects that improve cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and cancer service delivery across New Zealand.
Overview
The Special Purpose Grant Program provides funding for initiatives that improve cancer outcomes in New Zealand. The program supports activities that strengthen cancer care services, support cancer-related research infrastructure, and enhance the delivery of services for people affected by cancer.
The grant focuses on practical initiatives that contribute to better prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care. Unlike traditional research grants, Special Purpose Grants are designed to support projects that underpin research, service delivery, workforce capability, and cancer support systems rather than hypothesis-driven clinical or biomedical research studies.
Funding Information
- Maximum funding available: NZD 80,000 plus GST
- Funding duration: Up to 2 years
- Location: New Zealand
- Funding type: Special Purpose Grant
Funding is intended to support projects and initiatives that improve cancer outcomes and strengthen cancer-related services throughout New Zealand.
Focus Areas
Projects may address a wide range of cancer-related priorities, including:
- Cancer prevention initiatives
- Early detection and screening activities
- Improvements in cancer diagnosis
- Enhancements to cancer treatment services
- Palliative care for cancer patients
- Cancer support services
- Service delivery improvements
- Research-supporting infrastructure and resources
- Workforce development and capacity building
The grant supports work across multiple cancer disciplines, including:
- Biomedical aspects of cancer
- Clinical cancer care
- Epidemiological cancer studies
- Psychosocial cancer support and wellbeing
Eligible Activities
Eligible projects may include:
- Development of cancer care programs
- Improvement of patient support services
- Initiatives that strengthen cancer service delivery
- Capacity-building activities within cancer organisations
- Development of resources and tools for cancer care
- Activities that support cancer research infrastructure
- Programs that improve access to cancer care and support services
- Projects that enhance palliative care delivery
Projects should demonstrate a clear contribution to improving cancer outcomes in New Zealand.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.
Applicant requirements:
- Must be working in cancer care or a cancer support organisation
- Project must be based in New Zealand
- Applicants may submit only one application as Principal Investigator
- Applicants may be listed as an Associate Investigator on one additional application
- Applicants may also act as a mentor on a Fellowship or Scholarship application
Project requirements:
- Must support cancer-related initiatives
- Must contribute to improved cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, or palliative care
- Must not be a hypothesis-driven clinical or biomedical research project
Host Institution Requirements
Applications must be supported by an eligible Host Institution.
The Host Institution must:
- Have appropriate governance and oversight structures
- Demonstrate financial management capability
- Have the capacity to employ project staff where required
- Administer grant funding appropriately
- Monitor project delivery and compliance
- Submit required financial acquittal reports
Host Institutions are responsible for reviewing and approving applications before final submission.
Why This Grant Matters
Cancer remains a significant health challenge in New Zealand. Improving outcomes requires not only scientific research but also strong support systems, effective service delivery, and accessible patient care.
This grant addresses important gaps by supporting initiatives that:
- Improve patient experiences and outcomes
- Strengthen cancer support services
- Enhance healthcare delivery systems
- Build workforce capability
- Increase access to quality cancer care
- Support evidence-informed cancer programs
- Improve palliative care services
By funding practical initiatives, the program helps translate knowledge and resources into meaningful benefits for cancer patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm eligibility of both the applicant and proposed project.
- Ensure the project aligns with the objectives of the Special Purpose Grant Program.
- Develop a clear project plan, budget, and expected outcomes.
- Obtain approval and support from the Host Institution.
- Submit the application through the designated online portal.
- Complete all required documentation before the submission deadline.
- Await assessment and funding decisions.
Applications must be reviewed and approved by the Host Institution before formal submission.
Grant Management Requirements
Successful applicants must comply with all grant conditions.
Key requirements include:
- Expenditure must occur within the approved funding period
- Required ethics, regulatory, and institutional approvals must be obtained before grant activation
- Annual progress reports must be submitted
- Financial reporting requirements must be met
- A final project report must be submitted within 12 months of the project completion date
Failure to meet reporting obligations may affect future funding eligibility.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve competitiveness by:
- Clearly demonstrating the project’s impact on cancer outcomes
- Providing measurable objectives and outcomes
- Showing strong alignment with program priorities
- Explaining how the initiative will benefit patients, carers, or healthcare services
- Presenting a realistic implementation plan
- Including appropriate stakeholder engagement
- Providing a well-justified budget
Strong applications clearly explain how the proposed initiative will create meaningful improvements in cancer care or support services.
Common Application Mistakes
Common issues that may reduce competitiveness include:
- Proposing hypothesis-driven research instead of a service-focused initiative
- Weak alignment with grant objectives
- Unclear project outcomes or impact measures
- Incomplete application documentation
- Unrealistic budgets or timelines
- Insufficient institutional support
- Lack of evidence showing benefit to cancer patients or services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum funding available?
Successful projects may receive up to NZD 80,000 plus GST.
How long can projects be funded?
Projects may receive funding for up to two years.
Who can apply?
Individuals working in cancer care or cancer support organisations whose projects are based in New Zealand.
Can researchers submit more than one application?
Applicants may submit only one application as Principal Investigator and may participate as an Associate Investigator on one additional application.
Are clinical research projects eligible?
No. Special Purpose Grants are not intended for hypothesis-driven clinical or biomedical research projects.
Is Host Institution approval required?
Yes. Applications must be reviewed and approved by the Host Institution before formal submission.
What reporting obligations apply?
Successful applicants must submit annual progress reports and a final report within 12 months of project completion.
Conclusion
The Special Purpose Grant Program provides valuable funding for initiatives that strengthen cancer care, support services, and cancer-related infrastructure across New Zealand. With grants of up to NZD 80,000 plus GST, the program supports practical projects that improve prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and overall cancer outcomes for individuals and communities throughout the country.
For more information, visit Cancer Research Trust NZ.