Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers
Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers
Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers
Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers
Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers
Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers
Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers
Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers
Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers
Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers
If you’re planning to present a work or event as part of the 2026 Auckland Pride Festival, now’s the perfect time to secure additional funding support! Several open funds are currently accepting applications — from small community grants to larger creative project funds.
Below, we’ve gathered details on open grants that are making decisions before the Festival, plus some practical tips for writing a strong application.
Pride Empowerment 2027
Following the success of a more informal funding disbursing relationship in the 2026 Auckland Pride Festival, The Rule Foundation and Auckland Pride have teamed up to reignite the formerly known ‘Pride Empowerment’ initiative through a formalised partnership to offer our communities resource to bring their ideas to life during the 2027 Auckland Pride Festival.
What you’ll get as a Pride Empowerment Artist
- A grant of up to $3,000
- Publicity and marketing support
- Connection to Auckland Council Proud Centres and other partner venues if you need support with a venue for your work
Click here for the Pride Empowerment Information Pack
Apply now via this form.
Pride Empowerment EOIs close on Sunday 8 November, 11:59PM.
Top Up Community Grants
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.
Top Up Community Grants closes on Sunday 18 October 2026 at 11:59PM.
Waitematā Quick Response Grant
A quick response grant is generally for small value grants and is available up to five times a year. It is one of two types of local board grants. In 2025/2026 we will prioritise grants for initiatives that address community resilience and recovery.
What you can get:
- $500 - $4,000
Click here for more information
Waitematā Quick Response Grant closes on 23 October 2026 at 10PM.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Grant
If you and your kaupapa is based in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area, check out this grant.
- Grant value: $500+
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Grant closes on 13 November 2026.
Māori Outcomes Fund
The Māori Outcomes Fund invests in projects or activities that help strengthen Māori identity and wellbeing in Tāmaki Makaurau. It supports projects that contribute to the goals of Tāmaki Ora – Auckland Council’s strategy to improve outcomes for Māori.
This fund is not intended to be the only source of funding for a project. It should add to existing funding, rather than replace it.
- External (non-council) applicants
- Minimum funding: $10,000
- No maximum funding limit
- Internal applicants
- Minimum funding: $10,000
- Successful applicants share funding from a $1.2 million pool
Māori Outcomes Fund is an open funding and will remain open until further notice.
Zero Waste Events Grant
This grant helps outdoor community event organisers access tools and resources to run ‘zero waste’ events and reduce the amount of waste from events going to landfill. This includes educating people about which bins to use to sort their waste correctly.
Funding from the grant can be used at events to:
- rent reusable crockery and cutlery
- buy vouchers for volunteers, like volunteer bin educators and dish washers
- pay for recycling and food waste collections.
Grants of up to $500 are available for free outdoor community events in Auckland that serve food and expect at least 250 people to attend.
Zero Waste Events Grant is an open funding and will remain open until further notice.
When applying for funding, make sure you’re crystal clear on the following:
1. The Idea
What are you doing? What makes your project unique, exciting, or important?
2. The Process
How will you make it happen? Outline your timeframes, venues, collaborators, and key milestones.
3. The People
Who’s involved? Highlight your team, their experience, and any community connections.
4. The Criteria
How does your project fit with the fund’s purpose and priorities? Use their language where possible.
💰 Budgets Matter
Be specific and realistic. Include:
- Direct costs: materials, venue hire, equipment, marketing, etc.
- Income sources: ticket sales, other funding, or sponsorship.
- In-kind support: free rehearsal or workshop spaces, donated materials, or volunteer labour — these all count as valuable contributions.
🗓️ Plan Ahead
- Check closing dates early.
- Read eligibility criteria carefully.
- Allow time to gather quotes, letters of support, or testimonials.
- Talk to an advisor before you submit — they’re there to help!
🧩 Applying as an Individual?
Some funds require you to apply as (or through) an organisation. If you’re an independent artist or collective, you can often apply under an “umbrella organisation” that receives the funds on your behalf. Auckland Pride is happy to support artists through this process — just email us at [email protected] to find out more.
🌟 Final Advice
Be specific, succinct, and confident in your idea.
Show that your project has a clear plan, capable people, community impact — and that it contributes to a vibrant, inclusive Auckland Pride Festival.
If you’re planning to present an event as part of the Auckland Pride Festival 2027, make sure you’re registered on Eventotron — our festival registration platform.
Registering your event ensures it’s included in the official Auckland Pride Festival programme, promoted through our marketing channels, and connected to the wider Pride community.
- Register by 22 November 2026 to be included in our Print Programme.
- Registrations close 15 January 2027.
Once you’ve registered, you can come back and edit your listing any time before the final deadline — so don’t wait until everything’s locked in!
If you have any questions or need help navigating Eventotron, email us at [email protected] — we’re here to help you bring your event to life.