Communities across Aotearoa New Zealand are invited to apply for funding for projects that support suicide prevention, strengthen wellbeing, and provide care and connection following suicide loss. The All-of Population Suicide Prevention Community Fund provides $40,000 to $100,000 per project, with a total funding pool of $1.5 million available for the 2026/2027 funding round.
The Fund is delivered by the Mental Health Foundation and funded by Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora. It is guided by Every Life Matters – Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan and contributes to the shared vision of reducing suicide and improving wellbeing for all people in Aotearoa.
The Fund is open to all communities, with a particular focus on those that may experience increased suicide risk, including Māori, Pasifika, maternal communities, men, youth/rangatahi, rainbow communities, and rural communities.
Mental Health Foundation CE Shaun Robinson says community connection is one of the strongest protective factors against suicide.
“Community is one of our most powerful tools for preventing suicide. When people feel connected, supported, and valued, they’re more likely to reach out for help and less likely to face tough times alone,” says Robinson.
Robinson says the Fund recognises that communities are best placed to understand their own strengths and challenges.
“Whether it’s a grassroots group, an iwi or marae, a youth collective, or a local network looking out for one another, we want to hear from communities who are ready to take action and make a lasting difference.”
Applications are open from 10 February to 17 March.
Eligible applicants can find out more and apply online via the All-of-Population Suicide Prevention Community Fund website.