Organisations who have read the criteria and are eligible to apply are asked to discuss their proposal with the fund, prior to putting together an application. Get in touch via admin@workforcefuturesfund.nz.
In the first grant round, we will prioritise innovative projects that have a large impact on a workforce, or workforces from multiple industries.
$15m is available across the life of the fund and we have no set amount to distribute in the first round. Distributions will reflect the nature of the applications.
We recommend you take your time to develop your project proposal, and we will not grant in such a way that disadvantages those who do this. The second grant round is scheduled to open in August 2025.
The funding is to support workforce development in eight specified industries, and we have been asked if there are amounts set aside for each workforce. There is not. Our focus is on having impact with these funds so we will be granting money based on the difference it can make. In saying that, if a workforce or priority group is underrepresented in funding decisions, we will engage with them to support applications.
We appreciate that it is a very tight fiscal environment and that some programmes have had Government or philanthropic funding cut recently. Given the Workforce Futures Fund | Tahua Rāngaimahi Anamata has a specific purpose as a spend down fund, it will not fund the delivery of continuing services. Projects need to be completed within three years or have a plan for sustainability after that.
This first round will test the processes and systems we have put in place, and we will review these following the first funding decisions, which will be communicated to applicants in June.
We would like to restate that this is a fund looking to have a large-scale impact on workforces. Applicants will need to demonstrate they have significant industry support and proposed benefits need to be wider than one organisation. Multi-sector collaborations will be prioritised, as will initiatives that will positively impact Māori, Pasifika, and Disabled workforce participants.
Ways to stay updated are signing up to receive updates; and keeping an eye on our frequently asked questions which we will add to in response to your requests. Contact admin@workforcefuturesfund.nz to talk about your potential proposal, after reading the website information.
