Trust Tairāwhiti has opened Expressions of Interest for two new Focus Funds aimed at supporting transformational outcomes for taiao and rangatahi across Tairāwhiti.
The new funds respond to community priorities identified through the Tairāwhiti Wellbeing Survey.
“These funds are intended to support meaningful projects that will really shift the dial and lead to sustainable positive impacts for our rangatahi and our taiao,” says Audine Grace-Kutia, General Manager Communities.
“We are looking for high-impact kaupapa to support and encourage applicants to be bold and shoot for the moon. This can be achieved by working collaboratively with other groups, and we encourage applicants to secure at least 30 percent co-funding to enable greater impact for their project.”
The Taiao Focus Fund supports projects that restore, protect, and enhance the natural environment of Tairāwhiti, with a focus on areas such as freshwater and coastal health, land and soil resilience, native biodiversity, and community-led kaitiakitanga.
The Rangatahi Focus Fund supports projects designed with and for rangatahi aged 15 to 24, creating pathways for wellbeing, connection, leadership, and future opportunities.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong collaboration and secure at least 30 percent co-funding to maximise the impact of their projects.
The Trust’s existing funding programmes — the Community Fund, Regional Events Fund, and Feasibility Fund — remain open. Projects that do not meet the Focus Fund criteria may be better suited to one of these other funding pathways.
Important dates
- 20 April — Expressions of Interest open
- 5 June — Expressions of Interest close
- 19 June — Eligible applicants invited to submit a detailed project plan
- August — Shortlisted applicants present to an assessment panel
- September — Funding recipients announced
Before submitting an Expression of Interest, applicants are encouraged to read the full funding guidelines and criteria.