Funding Opportunities for Artists and Event Organisers

If you’re planning to present a work or event as part of the 2026 Auckland Pride Festival, now’s the perfect time to secure additional funding support! Several open funds are currently accepting applications — from small community grants to larger creative project funds.

Below, we’ve gathered details on open grants that are making decisions before the Festival, plus some practical tips for writing a strong application.

Pride Maketime

Maketime is where young people (under 25s) come together to spark, shape and share ideas. Whether it’s an event, project, talk, or something totally new – if it’s by youth and for youth, it belongs here.

This round is all about Pride – creating whatever you dream up for Auckland Pride 2026. Think parties, events, workshops, art, film, community hangouts, or something no one’s done before.
Over two afternoons, we’ll spark ideas, grow them, and bring them to life. You’ll work with mentors, meet other young people, and have access to $10K of activation funding to help make your idea happen.

Come solo or with mates. No idea? No problem. Just come ready to be part of something.

🗓 Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December
🕐 2–6pm both days
📍 Rainbow Youth, 10 Abbey Street, Auckland Central
🥨 Free snacks. Great people. Real support.

👉 Head to meantime.co.nz to register

Peter Rule Foundation
The Peter Rule Fund supports projects, activities, and organisations that contribute to the wellbeing and visibility of Rainbow communities.

💰 Up to $5,000 (or more in exceptional circumstances)
🗓️ Closes 5pm, Friday 6 December 2024
🔗 Learn more & apply here

📧 For advice or questions: [email protected]

Foundation North

The Foundation North Fund supports projects that strengthen communities across Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau. They have a dedicated Rainbow community partnership with the Rule Foundation.

💰 Smaller projects under $10,000
🗓️ Wednesday 31 December 2025
🔗 Learn more & apply →

📧 For advice or questions: [email protected]

Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust

Community Grants will contribute to LGBTTQIA+ projects and initiatives that are run by the Rainbow community, for the benefit of our community, encompassing educational, cultural, sporting and other events including those held during Pride Parades and/or Festivals and other Rainbow events around the country.

💰 Smaller projects under $5,000
🗓️ Wednesday 31 December 2025
🔗 Learn more & apply 

📧 For advice or questions: [email protected]

When applying for funding, make sure you’re crystal clear on the following:

1. The Idea
What are you doing? What makes your project unique, exciting, or important?

2. The Process
How will you make it happen? Outline your timeframes, venues, collaborators, and key milestones.

3. The People
Who’s involved? Highlight your team, their experience, and any community connections.

4. The Criteria
How does your project fit with the fund’s purpose and priorities? Use their language where possible.

💰 Budgets Matter

Be specific and realistic. Include:

• Direct costs: materials, venue hire, equipment, marketing, etc.
• Income sources: ticket sales, other funding, or sponsorship.
• In-kind support: free rehearsal or workshop spaces, donated materials, or volunteer labour — these all count as valuable contributions.

🗓️ Plan Ahead

• Check closing dates early.
• Read eligibility criteria carefully.
• Allow time to gather quotes, letters of support, or testimonials.
• Talk to an advisor before you submit — they’re there to help!

🧩 Applying as an Individual?

Some funds require you to apply as (or through) an organisation. If you’re an independent artist or collective, you can often apply under an “umbrella organisation” that receives the funds on your behalf. Auckland Pride is happy to support artists through this process — just email us at [email protected] to find out more.

🌟 Final Advice

Be specific, succinct, and confident in your idea.
Show that your project has a clear plan, capable people, community impact — and that it contributes to a vibrant, inclusive Auckland Pride Festival.

If you’re planning to present an event as part of the 2026 Auckland Pride Festival, make sure you’re registered on Eventotron — our festival registration platform.

Registering your event ensures it’s included in the official Auckland Pride Festival programme, promoted through our marketing channels, and connected to the wider Pride community.

• Register by 30 November 2025 to be included in our Print Programme.
• Registrations close 9 January 2026.

Once you’ve registered, you can come back and edit your listing any time before the final deadline — so don’t wait until everything’s locked in! You can update details like your venue, ticketing info, images, and copy as they’re confirmed.

If you have any questions or need help navigating Eventotron, email us at [email protected] — we’re here to help you bring your event to life.