Community Grants

Catalytic Foundation Community Grants 

Applications open again on the 2nd October, 2023 

Who we fund: 
We fund small to medium sized, community-based organisations who do not have large inhouse marketing or fundraising resources and are providing direct social services to whanau/families and individuals.  If the organisation received a Catalytic Community Grant in the previous year they will need to have completed an online accountability report

2023 Regions:
We invite organisations to apply from the following regions: Manawatu/Horowhenua, Whanganui, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Otago and Southland. A separate grant application is required for each region and amounts granted are subject to funds available. 

Applications are considered for:
Project costs, social services, purchases under $3,000 and operating expenses including: rent, utilities, salaries/wages. If your organisation has received a Catalytic Foundation (formerly United Way NZ) grant in the last three consecutive years you may not be eligible in 2023/24.  

Priority Areas

  • Whanau/Family
  • Early years support
  • Youth development
  • Accommodation/housing
  • Food security
  • Community services
  • Maori and Pacifica communities
  • Refugee, migrant and multi-cultural communities
  • Skill development / financial literacy

Prerequisites

  • Charities services registered and/or incorporated society
  • Have been in operation for a minimum of two years
  • Confirmation of preprinted bank account
  • Performance report for the previous financial year

Preferences

  • Meeting the highest priority community needs
  • A high level of positive change through measured outcomes
  • Encouraging a high level of volunteer involvement
  • Promoting independence and self-sufficiency

We Do Not Fund: 
Schools, core early childhood education programmes, government agencies, art organisations, sport organisations, animal charities, fixed assets or purchases over $3,000, capital projects, sports equipment, overseas travel, medical treatment or individuals, and health organisations (except in Otago).

Determining eligibility for funding:
Is at the discretion of our staff, regional volunteer ambassadors and the Catalytic Foundation Board of Trustees. If unsure whether your organisation qualifies, contact us before completing the application form. 

Grant allocation:

  • The Catalytic Foundation Community Grants are a donation and GST exclusive.
  • Most Grants are between $2,000 and $10,000.
  • Applicants for the 2023 Community Grants will be advised by March 2024 if successful for funding.

Thank you to the donors who contribute to our community fund 

The Tindall Foundation have chosen the Catalytic Foundation as their donation manager in: Manawatu/Horowhenua, Whanganui, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Otago and Southland, for the last 23 years.

Otago Polytechnic - Charity House Project

Mercy Hospital - Community outreach in Dunedin

Individual donors, Trusts and regular Payday donors

We concentrate funding where it is most needed and where it will make the greatest difference.