Are you passionate about social inclusion? Do you have a project idea that challenges judgement and discrimination against people who experience mental distress? Do you need funding to bring it to life?
Our Puna Pūtea or Social Action Grants are back in 2023. Grants range between $10,000 and $40,000 and are proudly funded by the Nōku te Ao programme, with support from the Mental Health Foundation.
What do we fund?
Almost one in two New Zealanders (47%) will experience mental distress or illness in their lifetime.
Puna Pūtea funds mental health advocacy projects that challenge stereotypes about, and discrimination towards, people with mental distress or illness.
The sky is the limit when designing your project – training programmes, wānanga, talanoa sessions/workshops, social media campaigns, creative installations, or performances are just a few examples. Please note that we are limiting the funding of podcast-based projects in this round, due to a significant number being funded through the 2022 grant round. We encourage projects to explore ways this medium can be reimagined beyond standard studio recordings.
The main thing is that your project works to end mental distress discrimination.
For more information on what we are looking for, as well as what we can’t fund, please refer to our Key Information and criteria page.
Who are the grants for?
Our Puna Pūtea are available to everyone - community, marae, hapū, iwi, and groups or individuals wanting to challenge mental distress discrimination and create real change. To ensure impartiality, Nōku te Ao does not fund entities already funded by Nōku te Ao, nor does it fund for-profit entities.
How do I apply?
Criteria, and other helpful information can be found here.
You can also keep up to date by:
- Signing up to receive the Nōku te Ao Social Action Grants īpānui/ e-newsletter.
- Following the Nōku te Ao social media channels – Facebook /Instagram/ Twitter.
- Visiting the Nōku te Ao Social Action Grants website.
Have any pātai/questions?
Stay tuned for updates – if you’d like to kōrero, send us an email: socialactiongrants@mentalhealth.org.nz