All-of-population suicide prevention community fund - key information and criteria

Got an idea to reduce suicide risk in your community, strengthen wellbeing, or provide support if a suicide happens? The All-of-Population Suicide Prevention Community Fund might be exactly what you’re looking for.

The All-of-Population Suicide Prevention Community Fund is guided by Every Life Matters – He Tapu te Oranga o ia Tangata and contributes to the shared vision of reducing suicide and improving wellbeing for all people in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Funding of $40,000 to $100,000 per project is available to help transform your idea into real, long-lasting impact. 

Who is the fund for?

We also welcome applications from other communities at increased suicide risk, where the need is clearly identified and supported by available data (for example, cultural communities or people living with disabilities).

Projects should support at least one priority population group and be guided by the voices, needs, and lived experience of the people they serve. 

Across all priority groups, we value culturally responsive approaches and ask applicants to clearly outline how these will be embedded in their work. 

What the fund supports?

We welcome applications from:

• Community-led organisations, non-profits, and charitable trusts 
• Informal community groups or collectives 
• Iwi, hāpū, marae 
• Faith-based groups
•  Schools, clubs, and community networks 
• Individuals, where the initiative is community-led 

Grant size: $40,000 – $100,000 

Total funding pool: $1.5 million for the 2026/2027 round 

Projects must be delivered within the agreed timeframe and budget.  Funding will be provided in phases to support monitoring and minimise financial risk. 

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria: 

Alignment with outcomes frameworks 

Including alignment with Every Life Matters – He Tapu te Oranga o ia Tangata and at least one objective of the Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025–2029: 

1. Improve access to suicide prevention and postvention supports
2. Grow a capable and confident suicide prevention and postvention workforce
3. Strengthen the focus on prevention and early intervention
4. Improve the effectiveness of suicide prevention and our understanding of suicide 

Community need and responsiveness 

Projects must clearly demonstrate they are shaped by community needs, aspirations, and cultural contexts. 

Community-led design 

Initiatives are designed and delivered by and/or with people from the priority population group(s), including voices of lived experience where appropriate. 

Impact and sustainability 

Projects should demonstrate potential for lasting benefit and reflect best practice approaches – such as whānau-centred, trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and community-led models. 

Feasibility and resilience 

Applicants must show the project can be delivered within time and budget and outline strategies to manage potential risks or barriers. 

Commitment to requirements 

Successful applicants must agree to reporting, evaluation, and promotional requirements, scaled to the size of the grant. 

Applications will not be eligible if they include: 

• General operating costs such as ongoing salaries or wages (Project-related administration and overheads are eligible but capped at 20% of total project costs) 
• Personal or capital items such as cars, computers, or tablets 
• Activities already funded elsewhere, including Māori or Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Funds (current or past).  
• New initiatives within previously funded projects may be considered if they demonstrate sustainable community benefit. 
• Study costs or service delivery costs 
• Existing suicide prevention/response courses, or mental health first aid courses 
• Projects delivered outside Aotearoa New Zealand 
• One-off events, unless a clear and lasting impact is demonstrated 

Reporting and evaluation

• Applications open: 10 February 2026 
• Applications close: 17 March 2026   
• Outcomes announced: 4 May 2026 
• Contracting process begins: 11 May 2026 
• In-person hui for successful applicants: 20 May 2026  
• Projects to start by: End of May 2026  
• Projects completed by: End of May 2027