Top Up Community Grants key info and criteria

Wellbeing looks different for every community. That’s why we’re backing community-led ways to Top Up. 

Top Up Community Grants are here to support initiatives grounded in the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Connect, Give, Take Notice, Be Active, and Keep Learning – that will create lasting ripples of wellbeing in communities across Aotearoa. Whether it’s a wānanga at the marae, a dance class at the local hall, starting a community garden, or something else entirely – you know what works best for the wellbeing of you, and the people around you. 

Funding ranges from $10,000 to $40,000 per project, with a total of $280,000 available this year.

Applications are open from 9 am on Monday 21 September to 11:59 pm on Sunday 18 October 2026. If successful in your application, your project will have to start in February 2027 and be completed by September 2027.

Eligibility

Who can apply

We welcome applications from community-led groups and organisations, including:

• Community organisations, non-profits, and charitable trusts
• Informal community collectives with a wellbeing focus
• Iwi, hapū, marae, faith-based groups, schools, and clubs

Your project must directly support at least one of the following communities:

• Māori
• Pasifika
• Rangatahi / youth
• Rainbow / LGBTIQ+
• Disabled people
• Rural communities
• Asian communities

Criteria

What we're looking for

To be considered, your grant application will need to demonstrate the following:

• Alignment with purpose – You’ll need to show how your project supports the overall goals of this kaupapa and the outcomes we’re aiming for. We will give priority to initiatives that are committed to achieving equitable outcomes for the communities they serve. 
• Connection to the Five Ways to Wellbeing – You’ll have to demonstrate how your project aligns with at least one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, and with culturally relevant wellbeing models where appropriate (e.g., Te Whare Tapa Whā, Fonofale). 
• Support of specific communities – Your project must support at least one of the following communities: Māori, Pasifika, rangatahi/youth, rainbow (LGBTIQ+) communities, disabled people, rural communities, or Asian communities. You should also explain if and why the strengths and needs of this community are often overlooked or unmet, and how your project responds. 
• Responsiveness to community needs – You’ll need to show that your initiative is shaped by and reflects the needs, aspirations, and cultural context of the community you serve. Your project should be designed and delivered with and by people from that community.  
• Support for everyday wellbeing habits – Your activities should encourage people to “top up” their wellbeing regularly and embed these habits beyond the life of the project. 
• Impact and sustainability – Your project needs to show potential for long-term benefits and the ability to reach and engage a wide group of people in your community. 
• Commitment to requirements – If successful in your application, you must agree to meet reporting, evaluation, and promotional requirements. This may include being available for filming to help promote the wider Top Up campaign. You will also be asked to sign a talent release form to ensure informed consent is in place. 
• Feasibility – You need to demonstrate that your project can be started and completed within the agreed timeframe and budget. 
• Resilience planning – You should identify any potential barriers (such as technical issues or unplanned absences) and explain the strategies you will use to manage these and keep your project on track.

What you can apply for

Funding can support:

• Community-led activities that strengthen connection, resilience, and wellbeing
• Materials and resources to deliver your kaupapa
• Project-related overheads capped at 20% 
• Venue hire for community spaces (marae, halls, sports clubs, workplaces)
• Facilitator or coordinator costs
• Communications and marketing to reach your community
• Training or workshops that build long-term wellbeing skills
• Evaluation and reporting activities.

Your project can also receive co-funding from other sources, as long as you’re open about all funding streams and show how they work together to support your kaupapa, without doubling up on the same activities.

What we don’t fund

You cannot apply for:

• General operating costs (e.g., salaries, unrelated admin)  
• Capital items like cars, laptops, or tablets 
• Activities already funded elsewhere (duplication) 
• Clinical or therapeutic services, study costs, or overhead costs 
• Projects that do not clearly promote mental wellbeing, do not identify priority populations aligned with the criteria and do not demonstrate how hard to reach communities will be reached 
• Mental health first aid or suicide prevention programmes 
• Late or incomplete applications 
• One-off events without lasting wellbeing impact 
• Projects outside Aotearoa New Zealand.

Key dates

• Applications open: 9 am on Monday 21 September 2026.
• Applications close: 11:59 pm on Sunday 18 October 2026.
• Assessment period: Monday 19 October – Friday 6 November 2026.
• Applicants notified: Monday 9 November – Tuesday 10 November 2026.
• Onboarding: Monday 16 November – Friday 27 November 2026.
• Grantee Hui: Friday 27 November 2026.

How funding works

Funding will be released in phases, linked to agreed project milestones. This helps manage risk, ensure delivery, and support you along the way. 

Reporting will be scaled to the size of your grant and may include sharing stories or being part of the Top Up campaign promotion. Talent release forms will be used to make sure informed consent is always respected. 

Ready to apply?

Every great initiative starts with a spark – and we’re here to help yours shine.

The application link will be available on this page when applications open on 21 September, so mark the date!

Need more information?

Reach out to communitygrants@mentalhealth.org.nz to ask any questions or chat with us for advice.