How to apply for a NZSL Community Grant

Who can apply

Any organisation in the Deaf of NZSL user communities can apply for an NZSL Community Grant.

Amount you can apply for

You can apply for between $5,000-$50,000. The NZSL Board can allocate up to $250,000 per year in NZSL Community Grants.

When to apply

There is one round of NZSL Community Grants every year. Applications will be open for 3 weeks. We publish dates and how to apply. 

What sort of projects can I apply for funding for

NZSL Community Grants are for projects that are:

• to support, promote and encourage the use of NZSL
• completed in one year
• based in New Zealand.

Projects that are led by Turi Māori, for Turi Māori are encouraged. Te Rōpū Kaitiaki will be involved in deciding Turi Māori projects.

The Board encourages new project ideas that have not received NZSL Board funding before.

What cannot be funded

• Projects that include activities that have already happened before funding is received.
• Projects that are the responsibility of a government agency.
• Purchasing or supplying alcohol.
• Interpreter costs if they are the main part of your project costs
• Staffing costs if they are the main part of your project.

What you need in your application

When you fill out your application, you will need to provide a budget and a project plan. You can answer some questions in NZSL or English.

Apply online

Apply online on Accessible Surveys external. There are alternate formats including NZSL.

What happens after you apply

The NZSL Board and Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People review applications. Turi Māori applications are also reviewed by Te Rōpū Kaitiaki.

The NZSL Board may send applicants further questions, to clarify details in your application or ask for any missing information. You will need to answer these questions for the Board to consider your application.

Then, the NZSL Board makes decisions. 

Whaikaha then sends letters to applicants confirming the result of your application.