Apply now for Toi Foundation Strengthening Community Fund (New Zealand)

Deadline: 30-Oct-2026

The Toi Foundation Strengthening Community Fund provides funding support for projects that help build thriving, inclusive, and equitable communities across the Taranaki region of New Zealand. The programme focuses on strengthening the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of local communities while addressing systemic barriers and creating opportunities for long-term regional prosperity. As a core funding programme of the Toi Foundation, the Strengthening Community Fund supports community-led initiatives that respond to local needs and contribute to a stronger and more connected Taranaki.

About the Strengthening Community Fund

The Strengthening Community Fund is designed to support initiatives that contribute to the wellbeing and development of the Taranaki region. The Foundation’s approach focuses on creating a Taranaki where communities can thrive and where people have equitable access to opportunities and resources. Funding decisions are guided by priorities that include: - Social, cultural, and economic wellbeing. - Inclusive and equitable communities. - Addressing systemic barriers. - Stronger community connections. - Long-term regional prosperity. - Locally driven initiatives that respond to community needs. Environmental Sustainability and Climate Solutions One of the Foundation’s focus areas is improving the environment through initiatives that protect and strengthen the region’s natural resources.

Projects may focus on:

- Sustainability. - Conservation. - Climate solutions. - Environmental improvement. - Community approaches to environmental challenges. These initiatives can contribute to a healthier environment while supporting long-term community resilience across Taranaki. Child and Youth Wellbeing The fund also prioritises projects that improve the wellbeing of children and young people.

Supported areas include:

- Child and youth health. - Education. - Culture. - Parental support. - Other initiatives that strengthen child and youth wellbeing. These priorities recognise the importance of creating supportive environments where children and young people can develop, learn, and participate fully in their communities. Māori Aspiration and Self-Determination Another key priority is empowering Māori aspiration and self-determination. The Foundation recognises initiatives that support Māori communities and contribute to greater opportunities for Māori to determine and strengthen their own social, cultural, and economic futures. Projects aligned with this priority should demonstrate how they contribute to Māori aspirations and community-led development. Increasing Access to Opportunities The Strengthening Community Fund aims to increase people’s access to opportunities by strengthening local connections and providing resources that help communities participate and grow.

Relevant initiatives may involve:

- Strengthening community connections. - Skill-building opportunities. - Community facilities. - Events. - Resources that improve access to opportunities. These activities can help create stronger networks, improve participation, and support more equitable access to resources across the region. Who Should Consider Applying? The fund is intended for initiatives that contribute to the social, cultural, or economic wellbeing of the Taranaki region in New Zealand. Potential applicants should consider whether their project: - Benefits communities in Taranaki. - Supports a thriving, inclusive, and equitable region. - Addresses local needs or systemic barriers. - Aligns with one or more of the Foundation’s focus areas. - Contributes to longer-term regional prosperity. - Strengthens community connections or access to opportunities. Applicants should ensure that their organisation and proposed project meet the Foundation’s eligibility requirements before submitting an application. Registration Is Required Before Applying Applicants must complete the Foundation’s registration process before they can submit an application. The registration process requires applicants to: - Complete the online registration form. - Provide the necessary documentation to establish eligibility. - Activate their account. - Submit the funding application through the Foundation’s online portal. Applicants should complete registration well in advance of the funding deadline. Important Registration Requirement New registrations are not considered during the week of a funding deadline. This means organisations that have not previously registered should avoid waiting until the final week to begin the registration process. Completing registration early gives applicants time to provide the required documentation, activate their account, and prepare their application through the online portal. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their application by clearly demonstrating the connection between their project and the Foundation’s priorities.

Important preparation steps include:

- Identify the community need: Clearly explain the issue or opportunity the project will address in Taranaki.

- Explain the community benefit: Describe how the project will improve social, cultural, or economic wellbeing.

- Connect the project to the priorities: Show whether the initiative supports environmental sustainability, child and youth wellbeing, Māori aspiration, or access to opportunities.

- Demonstrate inclusion: Explain how the project will contribute to a more inclusive and equitable community.

- Address systemic barriers: Where relevant, describe the barriers the project seeks to reduce or overcome.

- Show long-term value: Explain how the initiative can contribute to lasting regional prosperity or community resilience.

- Complete registration early: Ensure the online registration and account activation are completed before the week of the funding deadline.

- Prepare supporting documentation: Have the required eligibility documents ready before beginning the application.

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