Frequently Asked Questions

The Inspiring Futures Foundation is an independent New Zealand charitable trust (CC57569) that provides grants for training, education and skills development for people working in the trades and technical industries. Grant rounds open twice a year, in March and September.

Learn more about who is behind the Inspiring Futures Foundation here.

If you’re working in or studying for a career in one of IFF’s eligible industries, you may be eligible. The eligible industries are:

• Automotive

• Collision Repair and Refinishing

• Commercial Road Transport

• Passenger Services

• Mining and Quarrying

• Warehousing and Logistics

• Industrial Textile Fabrication

• Drilling

• Gas

• Stevedoring and Ports

• Resource Recovery

To find out if you're eligible and to apply, get in touch with your Industry Council representative - they'll guide you through the process.

IFF can fund a wide range of things including vocational training and course costs, capability building, travel and accommodation for study, research projects, the development of training resources and packages, and support to continue learning during disruptive events. If you’re not sure whether your situation fits, contact your Industry Council representative or BDO.

Grant rounds open twice a year; in March and September. Applications for the March round close in April, with notifications in June. Applications for the September round close in October, with notifications in December.

Grant amounts vary depending on the application. There is no set minimum or maximum.

All applications are made online through the IFF website. You’ll need to complete the application form and provide supporting documents, which may include financial statements, quotes, and a project or business plan. Full details are on the grants page.

Start by checking the eligibility criteria on the grants page. If you think you qualify, read through the grant policy so you understand what we’re looking for. If you’re still unsure, contact us – we’re happy to help.

We primarily fund registered charities, incorporated societies, organisations with donee status, and community groups. For-profit organisations may also be considered. The key requirement is that your mission supports one of IFF’s eligible industries. Learn more about eligibility criteria on the grants page.

We’re outcomes-focused. We want to understand the purpose of your organisation, what the funding will achieve, how it will benefit the industry and community, and how you’ll measure the impact. We also look for a sustainable financial model and a clear strategic direction. Organisations that bring matching financial or in-kind support are looked on favourably.

Yes. We understand organisations need to cover their costs to keep delivering. We’re willing to consider capability building costs, programme delivery costs, and other operational expenses where they support your ability to achieve your mission.

Yes, as long as you’ve fulfilled all obligations from previous grant rounds – including milestone reports and the completion evaluation.

All eligible applications go through a three-stage process: initial assessment, review by trustees, and ratification by the board. You’ll be notified if your application is unsuccessful at any stage.

Successful grants are paid by direct credit and announced on the IFF website and annual report. Recipients are expected to meet and report on specific milestones, and this is monitored throughout the grant period to ensure funding is making a real difference to the industry.

IFF supports people and organisations working in:

• Automotive

• Collision Repair and Refinishing

• Commercial Road Transport

• Passenger Services

• Mining and Quarrying

• Warehousing and Logistics

• Industrial Textile Fabrication

• Drilling

• Gas

• Stevedoring and Ports

• Resource Recovery

IFF’s funding is pooled from returns on investments, donor funds, grants received, and other donations.

IFF doesn’t fund activities that benefit an individual or organisation in a commercial sense, political parties, divisive religious activities, projects outside the eligible industries, retrospective projects, ad-hoc emergency relief, or debt reduction requests.

Grant rounds open in March and September each year. Follow us on LinkedIn and sign up for updates to be notified when applications open.

Each year, Inspiring Futures Foundation partners with MITO to offer a scholarship supporting learners in New Zealand's trades and technical industries. It can fund apprenticeships, advanced technical programmes, graduate business diplomas, and management courses - for both those just starting out and experienced learners looking to go further.

For available scholarships, key dates, and terms and conditions, visit MITO's website.

Note that this is separate to IFF's own grants programme, which opens in March and September each year.