Purpose
The New Zealand High Commission Fund (the Fund) supports small scale, short-term community projects that contribute to wider community development and well-being. Projects must be in line with the New Zealand International Development Cooperation (IDC) (formerly NZAID) Programme’s mission of sustainable development.
Applications for the 2025/26 Fund Round will open in August 2025.
Who can apply
The Fund is aimed primarily at community groups and non-government organisations but other types of organisations e.g. PTAs, schools, business associations, may apply. The community group, NGO, or organisation must be locally-based in the Cook Islands and implementing their proposed project within the Cook Islands.
The Fund does not support individual businesses.
What will not be funded:
- political, religious or evangelical activities
N.B. faith-based groups are not excluded where the proposed project is consistent with the purpose of the Fund, does not exclude followers of other religions, and are not used to support proselytising - site visits
- unsolicited donations
- individual student scholarships
- international airfares/overseas conference attendance
- Concerts and Festivals
In addition, applications for the following activities will not be considered:
- Office equipment including desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, and mobile phones
- Purchase or hire of vehicles, including tractors, motor cycles/mopeds, and ride-on-mowers
- Salaries or personnel subsidies
- Land preparation, including all machinery/tools related to land preparation and/or clearing (such as grass cutters, chainsaws, mowers, and so forth)
- Attire (including uniforms and related gears)
For enquiries and to download and submit your application see below:
- Download the application form below and email it to: NZHC.RRO@mfat.govt.nz