Deadline: 03-Aug-2026
The Toi Māui Innovation Grant provides funding for new and innovative initiatives that improve hauora (wellbeing) outcomes for whānau and communities. The grant supports Māori-led, community-based solutions that strengthen access to care, wellbeing services, and innovative approaches to health and social challenges.
The programme offers a total funding pool of $200,000 excluding GST to support multiple initiatives. Eligible applicants include whānau collectives, kaupapa Māori organisations, NGOs, community groups, social enterprises, and clinical or community partnerships developing new wellbeing-focused solutions.
Overview of the Toi Māui Innovation Grant
The Toi Māui Innovation Grant supports the development and implementation of new ideas that improve health and wellbeing outcomes for whānau and communities.
The grant focuses on supporting initiatives that are:
- Whānau-led
- Community-driven
- Innovative
- Aligned with kaupapa Māori values
- Designed to improve equitable access to care and services
The programme encourages organisations and communities to develop solutions that respond to local needs and improve long-term wellbeing outcomes.
Purpose of the Grant Programme
The main purpose of the Toi Māui Innovation Grant is to support new approaches that address wellbeing challenges through community-based innovation.
The grant aims to:
- Improve hauora outcomes
- Support Māori-led solutions
- Strengthen community resilience
- Increase access to quality health and wellbeing services
- Test and develop innovative ideas
- Support initiatives that can create lasting community impact
Key Focus Areas of the Grant
The programme supports initiatives across several priority wellbeing areas.
Future: Mothers and Babies
Projects may focus on improving outcomes for:
- Mothers
- Babies
- Whānau supporting early childhood wellbeing
Initiatives may address:
- Maternal wellbeing
- Early support systems
- Healthy beginnings for children
- Whānau-based care approaches
Healthy Homes
Projects may support initiatives that improve living conditions and wellbeing.
Potential areas include:
- Healthier living environments
- Improved household wellbeing
- Community-based housing solutions
Māori Homes: Housing
This priority area supports initiatives addressing housing-related wellbeing challenges.
Projects may focus on:
- Māori housing solutions
- Safe and healthy homes
- Housing support models
- Whānau-centred approaches
Mental Health and Wellbeing
The grant supports initiatives that strengthen mental wellbeing.
Projects may include:
- Community mental health support
- Wellbeing programmes
- Prevention approaches
- Accessible support services
Spiritual Health: Mental Health and Wellbeing
The programme recognises the importance of spiritual wellbeing in overall hauora.
Initiatives may support:
- Cultural wellbeing
- Identity and connection
- Holistic approaches to mental health
Health Services: Access to Quality Care
Projects may focus on improving access to healthcare services.
Activities may include:
- Removing barriers to care
- Community health support
- Better service delivery models
- Improving healthcare accessibility
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The grant is open to organisations and groups working closely with whānau and communities.
Eligible applicants include:
- Whānau collectives
- Kaupapa Māori organisations
- Non-government organisations (NGOs)
- Community-led groups or collectives
- Social enterprises
- Clinical partnerships
- Community partnerships
Applicants must demonstrate that they have the ability to successfully deliver the proposed initiative.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should show:
- Strong connection with whānau and communities
- Understanding of local wellbeing needs
- Capability to implement the proposed initiative
- Alignment with kaupapa Māori values
- Commitment to improving equitable outcomes
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The grant supports new and innovative initiatives that aim to create positive wellbeing changes.
Supported projects should demonstrate:
- A clear community need
- A new approach or idea
- Potential to improve wellbeing outcomes
- Strong connection with whānau
- Practical implementation plans
What Information Should Applicants Provide?
Successful registrations of interest should explain:
The Problem Being Addressed
Applicants should describe:
- The wellbeing challenge
- Who is affected
- Why the issue requires a new approach
Who Benefits From the Initiative
Applicants should identify:
- Target communities
- Whānau groups involved
- Expected beneficiaries
The Innovation Idea
Applicants should explain:
- What is new or different about the approach
- How the idea will create positive change
- Why the solution is suitable for the community
Alignment With Priority Areas
Applications should clearly connect the initiative with one or more grant priorities.
Funding Request
Applicants should include:
- Amount requested
- Planned use of funds
- Expected outcomes
Stage of Development
Applicants should explain whether the initiative is:
- At idea stage
- Being developed
- Ready for implementation
Funding Details
The Toi Māui Innovation Grant provides:
- Total available funding: $200,000 excluding GST
- Expected delivery period: Six months, unless otherwise agreed
Funding will be distributed among multiple successful initiatives based on:
- Quality of proposal
- Innovation potential
- Alignment with grant priorities
- Expected wellbeing impact
Indicative Funding Amounts
Funding categories may include:
Seeding and Development Funding
Amount:
- $10,000
Purpose:
- Developing early-stage ideas
- Testing concepts
- Planning innovative approaches
Start-Up Innovation Funding
Amount:
- $50,000
Purpose:
- Launching new initiatives
- Supporting implementation
- Building innovative services or solutions
Why This Grant Matters
Many communities face barriers to accessing health and wellbeing services.
The Toi Māui Innovation Grant supports solutions that:
- Come directly from communities
- Reflect Māori values and approaches
- Improve equity in healthcare access
- Strengthen whānau wellbeing
- Encourage local innovation
Community-led approaches can create more effective and culturally appropriate responses to wellbeing challenges.
How to Apply for the Toi Māui Innovation Grant
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify a Community Need
Applicants should clearly define:
- The wellbeing challenge
- The affected population
- Why existing solutions may not be enough
Step 2: Develop an Innovative Solution
Applicants should describe:
- The proposed initiative
- How it addresses the problem
- What makes it innovative
Step 3: Confirm Alignment With Grant Priorities
Applicants should explain how their project connects with areas such as:
- Mental health
- Healthy homes
- Māori housing
- Mothers and babies
- Healthcare access
Step 4: Prepare Funding Details
Applicants should include:
- Amount requested
- Budget requirements
- Six-month delivery plan
- Expected outcomes
Step 5: Submit Registration of Interest
Applicants must provide information demonstrating:
- Community connection
- Delivery capability
- Innovation potential
- Alignment with kaupapa Māori values
Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid
Applying for Existing Programmes
The grant is designed for new and innovative initiatives, not existing services.
Weak Community Connection
Applicants should demonstrate genuine relationships with whānau and communities.
Unclear Innovation
Applications should clearly explain what makes the idea different from current approaches.
Poor Explanation of Outcomes
Applicants should describe how the initiative will improve wellbeing.
Ignoring Kaupapa Māori Values
Projects should reflect Māori values and community-led approaches.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen proposals by:
- Clearly explaining the community need
- Demonstrating whānau involvement
- Highlighting innovation
- Showing practical delivery plans
- Connecting activities to wellbeing outcomes
- Explaining long-term potential
- Demonstrating cultural alignment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Toi Māui Innovation Grant?
It is a funding programme that supports new initiatives designed to improve wellbeing outcomes for whānau and communities.
How much funding is available?
The grant provides a total funding pool of $200,000 excluding GST.
Who can apply for the grant?
Eligible applicants include whānau collectives, kaupapa Māori organisations, NGOs, community groups, social enterprises, and clinical or community partnerships.
What types of projects are supported?
The grant supports innovative initiatives focused on hauora, healthcare access, mental wellbeing, healthy homes, Māori housing, and mothers and babies.
Can existing programmes apply?
No. The grant is intended for new or innovative initiatives and does not support existing funded programmes or services.
How long should funded initiatives operate?
Funding is generally expected to support initiatives delivered over a six-month period unless another timeframe is agreed.
What makes a strong application?
Strong applications demonstrate community connection, innovation, alignment with kaupapa Māori values, clear outcomes, and the ability to deliver the project.
Conclusion
The Toi Māui Innovation Grant provides an opportunity for communities and organisations to develop new solutions that strengthen whānau wellbeing and improve access to quality care. By supporting Māori-led and community-based innovation, the programme aims to create meaningful, equitable, and sustainable improvements in health and wellbeing outcomes.
For more information, visit The Health Level of Te Kahu o Taonui Charitable Trust.
