CFAs: Four Winds Foundation Community Grants (New Zealand)

Deadline: 25-Sep-2026

The Four Winds Foundation Community Grants program provides funding to registered non-profit organisations in New Zealand for projects that deliver community benefits in areas such as sport, health, education, arts, environment, welfare, and animal welfare. Eligible organisations can apply through the Foundation’s online portal, with applications closing on the 25th of each month for consideration at the next Committee Meeting.

About Four Winds Foundation Community Grants

The Four Winds Foundation Community Grants program supports registered non-profit organisations that provide meaningful benefits to communities across New Zealand. The Foundation focuses on projects and activities that contribute to community well-being, social development, and local community benefit. Particular attention is given to projects and activities benefiting communities located around the Foundation’s partner venues. Funding can support a broad range of community-focused activities, including sports programs, health and welfare services, educational initiatives, arts and cultural activities, environmental conservation, and animal welfare. What Does the Four Winds Foundation Fund? The Community Grants program can provide support for a wide range of eligible community-benefit activities, including:

- Sport: Sports equipment, facilities, and activities that benefit local communities.

- Community initiatives: Projects designed to improve community participation, connection, and well-being.

- Health: Health-related services, programs, and community initiatives.

- Welfare: Activities and services supporting people and community welfare.

- Education: Educational projects, programs, and eligible research activities.

- Arts and culture: Arts, cultural, and creative activities that provide community benefits.

- Environment: Environmental conservation and initiatives that support the protection or improvement of the natural environment.

- Animal welfare: Projects and activities that contribute to animal welfare.

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activity will create a clear benefit for the community. Who Is Eligible to Apply? The program is intended for registered non-profit organisations in New Zealand.

Eligible organisations must:

- Be an incorporated society or have another recognised legal status. - Operate on a non-profit basis. - Have been operating for at least 12 months before applying. - Preferably be registered with the Charities Commission. - Apply for an eligible community-benefit project or activity. The organisation should have a clear role in delivering the proposed project and should be able to demonstrate the community benefit expected from the funding. Application Frequency Organisations must follow the Foundation’s limits on the number of applications they can submit. - Only one application per month is permitted. - An organisation can submit up to four applications per fiscal year. - Applicants should plan their funding requests according to these limits. Submitting multiple applications outside the permitted limits may affect eligibility for consideration. What Expenses Can Be Funded? Funding may be used for eligible expenses that are directly connected to the approved project or activity.

Examples include:

- Sports equipment. - Sports facilities and related community infrastructure. - Community program expenses. - Health and welfare services. - Educational initiatives. - Eligible research projects. - Arts and cultural activities. - Environmental conservation activities. - Animal welfare projects. The grant must be used for the purposes described in the approved application. What Is Not Funded? The Foundation has restrictions on activities and expenses that are not eligible for funding. Applicants should not request funding for: - Retrospective expenses that have already been incurred. - Events or activities that have already taken place. - Commercial activities. - Activities intended to provide personal financial gain. - Alcohol. - Entertainment where excluded under the Foundation’s funding rules. - Cash prizes. - Other expenses or activities specifically excluded by the Foundation. Applicants should carefully check the Foundation’s current requirements before submitting an application. Why Does the Community Grants Program Matter? Community organisations often rely on external funding to purchase equipment, deliver services, run programs, and improve facilities. The Four Winds Foundation Community Grants program provides an opportunity for eligible non-profit organisations to seek financial support for activities that create tangible community benefits.

Funding can contribute to:

- Improved access to community services. - Greater participation in sport and recreation. - Health and welfare support. - Educational opportunities. - Arts and cultural engagement. - Environmental conservation. - Animal welfare. - Stronger local communities. The Foundation places particular emphasis on community well-being and projects that benefit communities around its partner venues. How to Apply Applications are submitted through the Four Winds Foundation’s online application portal. Applicants should prepare the required information before beginning the online application.

The application process includes:

- Confirm eligibility: Make sure the organisation meets the legal, non-profit, and operating-history requirements.

- Identify an eligible project: Select a community-benefit activity that fits within the Foundation’s funding areas.

- Explain the community benefit: Clearly describe who will benefit and how the project will improve community well-being.

- Prepare the budget: Provide accurate details of the funding required and explain how the money will be used.

- Check timing: Submit the application by the 25th of the month to be considered at the next Committee Meeting.

- Review funding restrictions: Make sure the application does not include retrospective expenses, commercial a