Community Action Grants 2026
Growing Rangatahi Voices. Strengthening Communities. Reducing Alcohol Harm.
Te Waipuna Puawai is inviting local organisations, community groups and grassroots initiatives to apply for Community Action Grants of up to $4,000.
Funded through Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora’s Alcohol Harm Prevention Community Action Fund, these grants support locally led projects that empower rangatahi, strengthen whānau and communities, and contribute to reducing alcohol-related harm.
Who can apply?
The fund is open to groups delivering activities in:
Glen Innes
Point England
Panmure
Applications are encouraged from registered charities, incorporated societies, community organisations, marae, youth organisations, sports clubs, faith-based organisations, cultural groups, schools and kura, and community collectives. APPLY BY 18 SEPTEMBER 2026.
Not a registered organisation?
You can still apply. Informal groups and grassroots initiatives can nominate an organisation to act as a funding sponsor and receive and manage the grant on their behalf.
Funding available
Applicants can apply for up to $4,000.
Te Waipuna Puawai expects to support approximately three to five community activations, depending on the quality and scope of applications received.
What can the funding support?
TWP is looking for community-led initiatives that contribute to one or more of these areas:
Alcohol Harm Prevention
Create alcohol-free environments, encourage healthy choices, increase awareness of alcohol-related harm and provide positive alternatives to alcohol use.Rangatahi Leadership
Give rangatahi opportunities to lead, build confidence, develop leadership skills, strengthen identity and become positive role models.Community Voice & Activation
Create opportunities for rangatahi and communities to share their experiences, ideas and solutions.Whānau & Community Wellbeing
Strengthen whānau connections, resilience, positive relationships, safe spaces and community participation.Cultural Identity & Belonging
Celebrate culture and identity, strengthen connection to te ao Māori and tikanga, embrace Pasifika values and foster belonging.Community Action
Support rangatahi to volunteer, mentor others, organise local initiatives, care for the environment and strengthen their neighbourhoods.
What could your project look like?
Projects could include:
Alcohol-free community events
Youth leadership programmes
Creative arts and storytelling
Sport and recreation
Music and performance
Wellbeing workshops
Environmental restoration or community gardens
Digital media projects
Community awareness initiatives
These are examples only. TWP welcomes other community-led ideas that align with the fund’s goals.
What are we looking for?
Applications will be assessed on:
Alignment with the Community Action Grant outcomes
Contribution to reducing alcohol-related harm
Meaningful rangatahi involvement
Demonstrated community need
Creativity and innovation
Community partnerships
Value for money
Ability to successfully deliver the project
APPLY BY 18 SEPTEMBER 2026
Key Dates
Stage | Date | |
|---|---|---|
Applications open | Monday 24 August 2026 | |
Applications close | Friday 18 September 2026 | |
Assessment | 21-25 September 2026 | |
Successful applicants notified | Wednesday 30 September 2026 | |
Funding agreements | October 2026 | |
Community activations delivered | October-December 2026 | |
Final reports due | Friday 29 January 2027 |
Support for successful applicants
Successful applicants will receive:
Grant funding
A project planning session with Te Waipuna Puawai
Ongoing support during delivery
Opportunities to showcase their kaupapa through TWP communications where appropriate
How to apply
Complete the Community Action Grants 2026 Application Form and email it to:
Applications close Friday 18 September 2026.
Click link below to download application form
Click the link below for more information
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