Arts Organisations and Groups Fund - $50,000 to $125,000

Who can apply

New Zealand-based arts organisations and groups.

International arts organisations may apply only if the funding directly benefits New Zealand arts and artists.

Who cannot apply

You cannot apply in 2025 if your arts organisation or group:

• received funding through this fund for activity in 2026
• is in the Toi Tōtara Haemata or Toi Uru Kahikatea programmes

Get advice before you apply

Talk to a Practice Adviser about whether this fund is right for your organisation.

Check that:

• your organisation or group is eligible for this fund
• your activities can be funded
• you know what to include in your application 

Get accessibility support

If our systems are not accessible for you, we will help you to find an accessible way to apply.

Talk to a Practice Adviser about your access needs.

Read more about how we can support your access needs when applying for funding.

What can be funded

The funding allows arts organisations and groups with a dynamic vision for the arts in Aotearoa to:

• deliver a programme of artistic work over one or two years
• make a positive impact in their communities.

How much you can apply for

You can request between $50,000 and $125,000 per year, for one or two years, to cover operational or artistic costs.

Most grants will be less than $100,000.

We aim to fund no more than 50% of your previous annual revenue.

How to apply

Start your application in the CNZ Portal

The application form is available when the funding round is open.
You can submit one application per funding round.
Submissions close at 1.00 PM on the closing date (New Zealand standard time).

Register or sign into the CNZ Portal.

Get help using the CNZ Portal.

Prepare answers to the application questions

• What operational or artistic activities do you want to do?
• What needs have you identified for your communities and how are you currently engaging with them to meet those needs?
• How does your organisation or group contribute to the development of your artform, practice or the careers of New Zealand artists and practitioners?
• How will you share your resources with others in your community?

Prepare support material

You must include in your application:

• your strategic plan, manifesto, or other vision statements
• evidence of your recent activity, for instance an annual report or end of year summary to your committee or board
• evidence of the benefits and impact your organisation or group has made to your communities recently
• past two years annual accounts
• evidence of a Board or governing body, such as meeting minutes

Read more about support material, and which file formats can be attached to your application.

Create a budget

You must provide a detailed budget.

It must show evidence of revenue from sources other than Creative New Zealand. Other sources of income might include earned revenue, other grants, sponsorship, or in-kind support.

We aim to fund no more than 50% of your previous annual revenue. 

How your application is assessed

Assessment criteria

Peer assessors consider whether: 

• there is evidence that you deliver quality programming that is well regarded by others

Peer assessors and Creative New Zealand staff consider whether:

• there is a clear need in your communities, or your audience, for the activities you propose
• there is potential for meaningful and positive impact in your communities or for your audience
• you contribute to the development of your artform, practice, or the careers of New Zealand artists and practitioners
• you share your skills, knowledge, and learning, to benefit others

Creative New Zealand staff consider whether:

• you have a dynamic vision or strategy which supports your organisation or group to succeed
• your activities will support dynamic, diverse, and resilient New Zealand Arts, in line with our Interim Investment Intentions 2023-25
• your finances are well-managed, and you have the means to support your activities 

Who assesses your application

Your application is assessed by different people, depending on which funding pool you apply to.

General arts funding pool

Your application is assessed by a panel of peer assessors and Creative New Zealand staff.

Ngā toi Māori funding pool

Your application is assessed by a panel of Ngā toi Māori peer assessors and Creative New Zealand's Ngā toi Māori staff.

Pacific arts funding pool

Your application is assessed by a panel of Pacific arts peer assessors and Creative New Zealand's Pacific arts staff.

Read more about choosing a funding pool.

Who makes the funding decisions

The assessment panels make funding decisions which are reviewed and approved by Creative New Zealand’s Senior Leadership team.

We aim to fund a diverse range of Aotearoa organisations and groups.