Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund
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On 27 October 2022, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Priyanca Radhakrishnan announced funding of $2 million for the Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund to support local and community-based social cohesion initiatives.
Everyone can make a contribution to social cohesion, from central government and businesses to individuals, whānau and communities.
Communities do work everyday that supports social cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand. Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund builds on this work and enables communities to create or progress their own social cohesion initiatives.
Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund is being administered by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
Thank you for your interest in Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion Community Fund and your patience while we evaluate next steps for the fund. The Fund remains on hold as we work through this process. Please check this website for further updates.
Application process
Applications for Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund should focus on initiatives that strengthen social cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand at a community level.
Applicants can apply for a maximum of $10,000 in funding to support their initiatives. Grants allocated from the fund will be one-off.
Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund is based on a co-funding model. Groups requesting funding must demonstrate they can match the amount of funding they are requesting with other contributions, which may include in-kind contributions. To find out more about in-kind contributions, visit our Q&A page.
Applications will be assessed and moderated by MSD in collaboration with other government agencies.
Applicants will be notified within 10 working days of their application receipt. Successful applications will receive payment within 5 working days of being notified.
All applications must be made through the Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund online form.
NB: Applicants must ensure they complete all relevant sections on the application form. Incomplete information may mean your application is not considered for funding.
Eligibility criteria
Community groups may apply for funding for initiatives that contribute to one of the following priority areas:
- Inclusion and equity
- Recognition and respect
- Trust
More information about strengthening Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand
This may include initiatives that:
- strengthen social connections and respectful relationships
- celebrate diversity and cultural inclusion
- promote and apply Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion tools and resources
- support collaboration and coordination for community groups to strengthen social cohesion.
Applicants are welcome to be creative and innovative in their approaches, which may include arts, sports and cultural events, and hui.
Examples of community groups who can apply are:
- Local marae, whānau, hapū, iwi
- Multicultural councils
- Ethnic community organisations
- Faith based, religious and church groups
- Community Hubs
- Not for profit organisations and social enterprise
Funding cannot be used for:
- ongoing costs, such as subscriptions
- items already purchased
- purchasing cash assets (Cash assets - Map (workandincome.govt.nz))
- purchasing a vehicle
- alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, or vaping products
- lotto products
- gambling purposes
- salaries
- supporting social sector providers, as they can receive funding through other channels
- activities intended to make a profit.
Applicants will need to agree to the following terms and conditions of Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund.
Reporting requirements
Successful applicants will be required to provide information and feedback through an online survey after their initiative has been completed. This will include:
- What initiative did the funding support
- What was the impact of the initiative
- What social cohesion outcomes were achieved or supported
The information we collect will be used for assessment purposes related to Te Korowai Whetū Social Cohesion community fund.
