Save the Children advocates for Children’s Rights. We aim to deliver immediate and lasting improvements to children’s lives worldwide by working with children and their communities and by influencing policy and public opinion.

The Small Grants Fund

The New Zealand Programme, Save the Children New Zealand’s domestic initiative, administers the Small Grants Fund, which provides funding of up to $10,000 to organisations and individuals working in the area of children’s rights within New Zealand. Applications from all ethnic groups within New Zealand are encouraged.

Save the Children will support New Zealand projects that are sustainable and build the capacity of children and young people to reach their full potential. Innovative ideas identified, developed and implemented by or with children and young people are most encouraged. We are looking for project plans that envision ways of making a lasting benefit for children.

Applications from individuals

Applications from individuals are welcome but must be accompanied with documented proof of partnership/association with a registered charitable organisation willing to administer the funds on behalf of the applicant.

Closing dates

There are two Small Grants Fund allocations each year. The closing dates for applications are 15 April and 15 September. Late applications will, in most instances, be considered in the next funding round.

Criteria

Projects receiving funding from the Small Grants Fund are required to directly benefit children in one or more of the following:

Participation of children and young people
The best interests of the child
Non-discrimination and inclusion of all children and young people
Children’s rights to protection and development
Mäori communities and children’s development
Pacific Island communities and children’s development

Project costs such as those listed here are eligible for funding:

Research
Selected running costs
Project development
Start-up costs for specific initiatives
Relevant training
Small conferences/networking meetings
Appropriate resources and publications

Grants are not awarded for any of the following:

Capital items (equipment, fixed assets e.g. furniture, fax machine, audio visual, computer equipment)
Ongoing running costs (office rental, telephones)
Leisure or recreational resources
Medical expenses (special needs consultation and medication)
Projects undertaken by Government departments (includes Local Government)

More information:

Small Grants Fund Homepage

Application Process

Application Form Sept 2008 [MS Word, 284 Kb]

Useful Terms Explained

General Conditions for Successful Applicants

Frequently Asked Questions