The New Zealand High Commission in Pretoria invites applications under the Fund each year for projects implemented by organisations in South Africa, Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The primary objective of the Fund is to support community-based projects that contribute towards sustainable development in order to reduce poverty and contribute to a secure, equitable and prosperous world. Applications must align with New Zealand's International Development Cooperation programme purpose to develop shared prosperity and stability.
Organisations able to apply for the Fund include community development organisations, registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs), schools, local government agencies, local small business associations and women or marginalised peoples' and entrepreneurship groups.
In the 2025/26 funding round, the High Commission Fund is targeting projects focused in the areas of:
- women's empowerment including the elimination of gender-based violence;
- youth empowerment and economic development;
- climate adaptation and resilience.
Funding is available up to a maximum of NZ$50,000 (or local currency equivalent) per project.
An information sheet including the guidelines for the Fund, which includes the link to the expressions of interest for the 2025/26 funding round, can be found below.
2025/26 application round
The 2025/26 applications round is now open and will close on 13 February 2026 (SAST).
Please refer to the below information sheet for further details about the 2025/26 High Commission Fund applications process. Please note that the applications process has changed from previous years and expressions of interest must be completed through the online form (linked in the information sheet). The High Commission will not consider expressions of interest submitted via email.