Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund

Grants of $5,000 to $20,000 for mental health and wellbeing projects for rainbow communities, in the South Island and the North Island south of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Closes

The 2026 round opened on 1 July and closed at 5pm on Monday 31 August 2026. The page does not yet give a 2027 round. Results come within four weeks of closing.

Who can apply

Funding is for not-for-profit groups and impact-led organisations doing charitable work. “Individuals can not be awarded grants.” Registered charities are not required, but unregistered applicants must explain their charitable purpose. Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau are covered by the Foundation North Fund instead.

Whakapapa

Not Māori-specific. For international travel, priority goes to events focused on Māori, Pacific peoples, transgender and intersex communities.

Amount

“A maximum of $20,000 and a minimum of $5,000 can be applied for.” The 2026 round had $70,000 in total for up to seven grants. Projects run 3 to 12 months and multi-year projects are not eligible.

Funding route

Grant

Applicants

Community groups, Organisations & providers

Before you apply

The 2026 round has closed. The page also still carries an outdated “2024 Dates” section that says the round has closed, so confirm the next round with the Foundation before relying on a date.

It funds mental health and wellbeing work such as resource development, community events, digital supports, research and training. Salaries are possible if business-as-usual costs are not the bulk of the application. International travel may be funded if “deemed of exemplary benefit to the Rainbow community”, capped at $3,000 per person.

Two things on the page disagree with each other. The FAQ gives larger figures that do not match the $20,000 cap or the no multi-year rule, and says “south of the Bombay Hills” where the main criteria say south of Tāmaki Makaurau. Take the main criteria and check with secretary@rulefoundation.nz.

Apply through SmartyGrants, with a detailed budget.

Official source →

Checked 8 October 2026

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Details change without notice. Check the funder's own page before you apply. Tōku Waka does not administer, assess or award this funding.