THE NEW ZEALAND HIGH COMMISSION FUND (HEF)
PURPOSE OF THE FUND
The New Zealand High Commission Fund (HEF) supports small-scale, short-term community projects that contribute to wider community well-being. Projects must align with the purpose of New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation programme, which is to develop shared prosperity and stability.
PRIORITY OUTCOME AREAS
Applications must focus on one of the following outcome areas:
- Women’s empowerment, including the elimination of gender-based violence
- Youth empowerment and economic development
- Climate adaptation and resilience
ELIGIBILITY
To access the HEF, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Organisation must be a registered:
- Non-governmental organisation (NGO)
- School
- Local government agency
- Local small business association
- Women or marginalised peoples’ and entrepreneurship group
With a focus on community development from one of the following countries:
Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
- Organisations that have received HEF funding in the previous two funding rounds are not eligible in this round.
- Funding can be requested up to a maximum of NZ$50,000 (or local currency equivalent) for a single project.
- Recommended project duration is up to one year. Longer-term projects (up to three years) may also be considered.
- Project plans must start on or after 1 May 2026.
- Incomplete applications will not be eligible.
WHAT WILL NOT BE FUNDED
The following activities are not eligible:
- Political, religious, and/or evangelical activities
(Faith-based groups may apply if the project is consistent with HEF purpose) - Site visits
- Construction projects
- Unsolicited donations
- Individual student scholarships
- International airfares or overseas conference attendance
- Ongoing (recurrent) funding of operational/organisational costs such as:
- Wages and salaries
- Office items
- Communications
DEVELOPING YOUR APPLICATION
Projects are particularly encouraged if they:
- Provide skills and resources to improve livelihoods
- Involve and benefit as many people as possible
- Promote the advancement and participation of women
- Support sustainable development
- Strengthen capacity and/or resilience
- Create jobs
- Meet the needs of the most marginalised and vulnerable
- Target rural or poorly serviced areas
- Address environmental and conservation concerns
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
The process consists of two phases:
Phase 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)
Applicants must complete the online EOI form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScY5keQk3jcN_Obmoia4rAgl4ix2TEcJXulSt6P11UAi55Gdg/viewform?usp=header
Phase 2 – Full Application
Shortlisted applicants from Phase 1 will be invited to submit:
- Detailed HEF application form
- Detailed budget
- Implementation plan
- Health and safety plan
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Read the criteria before developing your application.
- Complete the EOI form in English.
- Submit the EOI before the closing date.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by 6 March 2026 and given two weeks to complete a full application.
Due to high application volumes, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
If you have not heard from the New Zealand High Commission by 6 March 2026, your application has not been shortlisted.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications for the HEF 2025/2026 round open: 19 January 2026
Applications close: 13 February 2026
Late applications will not be considered.
ENQUIRIES
All enquiries should be sent to:
[email protected]