Skip to main content

The Trust makes grants to projects that encourage and promote sustainable development in the Pacific and New Zealand, while conserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of its people.

The Trust has about $250,000 to give as grants each year. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount. Grants range from $2,000 to $50,000 NZD.

Find out more about the Pacific Development and Conservation Trust, the history of the Trust and Trustees at the link below:

There is no longer an Expression of Interest process when requesting funding from the Trust. There are two application rounds per year, which open in February and August each year.

Ngā kaupapa ka tautokona ā-pūtea / What we fund

The Trust provides grants for a range of conservation, cultural heritage, development and goodwill projects and activities in the Pacific. It supports sustainable development where communities join in and work together with iwi (tribes), hapū (sub-tribe), aiga or whanau (family grouping).

Requests for funding must have:

  • Detailed budget
  • Quotes and price lists have been provided as appropriate 
  • Audited accounts or other financial information as appropriate has been provided
  • Project Lead CV
  • A4 sized map if project is outside of New Zealand

Ngā kaupapa kāore e tautokona ā-pūtea / What we don't fund

Generally, we do not fund:

  • an organisation’s operating and related costs such as salaries
  • buying land or buildings
  • school trips
  • family reunions
  • research projects by tertiary students that are for personal study.

Requests from tertiary institutions or other organisations for projects that include activities by tertiary students may be considered if they line up with the Trust's objectives and funding priorities.

Ngā Hua / Outcomes

Decisions are based on if a completed project will most likely deliver the benefits or outcomes described in the request. The Trust takes into account:

  • how well its objectives and funding priorities will be met
  • how much the community will be involved in the project
  • the range of benefits that the project will bring to the community
  • whether the projects outcomes will be environmentally and economically sustainable
  • any risks to the lives, livelihood and environments of the people who live in the Pacific. 

Projects that meet more than one of the Trust's objectives and funding priorities are more likely to be funded.

Find out more about what the Trust funds and how to request a grant. 

Ngā kaupapa matua / Priorities

The objectives of the Trust shall be to encourage and promote:

  • the enhancement protection and conservation of the physical environment of the Pacific and of its natural and historic resources;
  • the peaceful economic, physical, and social, development of the Pacific and of its peoples;
  • the peaceful conservation and development of the cultural heritage of the peoples of the Pacific;
  • peace understanding and good-will between the peoples of the Pacific.

The Trust prefers to fund projects that:

  • encourage and promote social, cultural and economic self-sufficiency;
  • improve legal access to facilities or resources necessary for social, cultural and economic self-sufficiency;
  • improve health, living standards and quality of life;
  • protect endangered or threatened species;
  • protect unique habitats and ecosystems;
  • promote sustainable management and use of natural resources;
  • protect or restore sites of important historical, environmental or cultural heritage;
  • raise awareness of, or improve access to, historical, environmental or cultural heritage;
  • build capacity in local communities particularly for developing indigenous ecological knowledge;
  • improve cooperation and communication between communities; or
  • encourage peace, security and greater understanding between people, cultures and communities.

Important dates for the Pacific Development and Conservation Trust

The next opening and closing dates for Pacific Development and Conservation Trust requests and the decision meeting date are listed at the link below:

Related Articles