How it works

An Inspiring Futures Foundation grant can help people enter an industry, grow within it, and stay.

Are you looking to take a step up in your career? Or are you supporting your teams to grow? Maybe you’re here to strengthen workforce capability in your industry?

No matter your why, here's everything you need to know before you apply for an Inspiring Futures Foundation grant.

Who is eligible?

Funding is for people and organisations connected to New Zealand's trades and technical industries. Select the option that best fits you to learn more.

  • Your first qualification shouldn’t be your last.
    An Inspiring Futures Foundation grant can support people at every stage; starting out, upskilling, or changing direction. Eligible applicants are:

    • Working in an industry we cover

    • Looking to upskill or change direction in an industry

    • Studying to enter an eligible industry

    If this is you or someone you know, connect with your Industry Council representative for support with your application.

  • Investing in training builds loyalty, reduces turnover, and strengthens your team. Eligible businesses are:

    • Operating in an industry we cover.

    • Supporting employee development.

    • Looking to benefit people and the industry, and not seeking commercial gain.

    Talk to your Industry Council representative for support with your application.

  • The Inspiring Futures Foundation funds programmes that help people enter the industry, grow within it, and stay.

    • We primarily fund registered charities, incorporated societies, and community groups  but for-profit organisations may also be considered.

    • We’re outcomes-focused. If your kaupapa aligns with ours, we want to hear from you.

    • You need a sustainable financial model and strategic direction.

    • You need to show how the funding will make a measurable difference for your industry.

    • Matching support is welcomed - applications with financial or in-kind co-funding may be prioritised.

What we fund

Inspiring Futures Foundation grants can fund a wide range of things, from vocational training and course costs to research projects.

If you’re not sure whether your situation fits, contact your Industry Council representative.

We welcome grant applications for:

Capability building costs

Programme costs

Delivery costs

Capital expenditure

Fundraising costs

Travel and accommodation

Research and development

Apprenticeship support

Assisting continuity of learning during disruptive events

Steps to a successful grant

Grant rounds open in March and September every year. Here’s our step-by-step grant process.

  • Review the criteria above and in our downloadable grants policy here, or get in touch with your Industry Council representative for support - they can quickly confirm whether there's a fit and point you in the right direction.

  • Before you start the application form, pull together what you'll need:

    • Two quotes supporting your funding request

    • A project or business plan (if applicable)

    • Latest financial statements (if applicable)

    • Bank deposit slip or statement (first-time applicants)

    • Contact details for two referees

  • Be clear about your kaupapa, what the funding will achieve, how it benefits the industry, and how you'll measure the outcome. The more specific you are, the stronger your application.

  • Every eligible application goes through a three-stage process: an initial assessment, trustee review, and board ratification. Trustees bring first-hand industry experience to this process.  You'll be notified at any stage if your application is unsuccessful. Our March grants are notified in June, and our September grants in December.

  • Successful grants are paid by direct credit and announced on our website and in our annual report. We ask successful applicants to provide updates on funding outcomes and complete an evaluation when funding wraps up.

What a grant can do

Emma Simpson faced nineteen rejections before landing her automotive refinishing apprenticeship - one year later, she stood on stage at the NZ Collision Repair Association conference as the Golden Gun winner, the top award for a refinishing apprentice. Her success was supported by the Women in Collision Repair Project, funded by Inspiring Futures Foundation.

Read more of Emma’s story

Ready to apply, or not sure where to start?

Your Industry Council representative can walk you through eligibility and help you put your best application forward.

Find your representative