WCF’s General Grants funding criteria is changing. When we open applications on 1 April 2025, there will be a new set of criteria for organisations to be eligible to apply – which prioritise organisations that provide a social service. These changes do not apply to He Rau Aroha.
Why we are doing this
Increased community need has resulted in a pool of eligible organisations that is too big for us to be able to fund. We have therefore narrowed the eligibility criteria to prioritise the most immediate community needs.
New Criteria for April 2025
Organisations must show that they:
- Serve and/or are led by our priority communities
- Māori
- Pacific peoples
- Middle Eastern, Latin American, or African
- Provide a social service
- Directly provide community members with basic needs, or
- Provide help for people navigating services that enable access to those needs
Note: Organisations serving communities in our priority locations – Lower Hutt, Porirua, and Ōtaki, will be prioritised. Organisations located elsewhere in the Wellington region may still apply, providing they meet the criteria above.
Application process remains the same
Other than the change to criteria, our process remains the same, with a simple application form, no deadlines, and quick turnarounds especially for requests of $20k and under.
What this means for you if you aren’t providing a social service
Unfortunately some of the amazing organisations we’ve funded to date, will not be eligible to apply for funding with us next year. We’re communicating these changes as early as possible to help you plan your fundraising.
We encourage you to get in touch with our Funding Manager Chiara LaRotonda (chiara@wellingtoncommunityfund.org.nz) to discuss your situation.
Key questions:
What if we can’t see our organisation reflected in your definition of social services but we believe we are delivering a social service?
If the work you do doesn’t sit within the categories we’ve listed in our social services definition, it is likely we won’t fund you. Please speak to us before submitting an application.
Can I apply for a He Rau Aroha grant instead of General Grants?
Not unless your organisation and kaupapa aligns with the requirements. Read more here and speak with our Kaitakawaenga Māori Sara Norling (sara@wellingtoncommunityfund.org.nz) before submitting any applications.