2021 Major Grant Funding Round Launches

The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO is calling for Expressions of Interest for its contestable funding round by 9 July 2021

Applications are being sought for ‘major grant’ funding worth between $10,000 and $40,000.

“We are seeking innovative projects, events, programmes or initiatives that reflect our mission and priority areas,” says Robyn Baker, Chair of the National Commission.

“As UNESCO is an organisation of ‘ideas’, we are especially interested in projects that demonstrate new ways of working and which have the potential to lead to positive long-term change at a national or regional level”.

The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO’s mission is: Deepening connections between the people of Aotearoa – New Zealand and UNESCO globally through the sharing of ideas and building capability for a better and more peaceful future.

Successful applications will need to align with at least one of the National Commission’s following priority areas:

  • Oceans for the Wellbeing of People and the Planet, in particular the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030).
  • Empowering Communities for Sustainable Futures.
  • Indigenous Knowledge, including the UN Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022-2032).
  • Freedom of Responsible Expression.
  • UNESCO programmes in New Zealand.

Expressions of Interest are due by 9 July. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application, which will be due by 6 August.

The National Commission will also be accepting applications for minor grant funding throughout the year (for up to $5,000 per project). Applicants must leave at least six weeks between their application and the activity.

See our Funding page for more information and an application pack.

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