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Toloa Community Fund

Toloa Community Fund

Applications are now open for the Toloa Community Fund. This fund supports Pacific-led initiatives that inspire and prepare Pacific young people to thrive in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

This year, we are looking for initiatives that will:

  • encourage pathways into STEM education, training, and careers.
  • strengthen community-led approaches to STEM learning
  • create opportunities that connect culture and innovation.

Initiatives might include workshops, mentoring, community events, hands-on learning, or other creative ways to share STEM knowledge.

Funding available

  • Total funding pool: $400,000 for the 2026 calendar year.
  • Applicants may apply for up to $150,000.
  • The Ministry expects to fund up to three organisations.

Funding decisions will be based on the strength of proposals, alignment with Toloa objectives and value for money.

About the fund

To be eligible for funding, proposed initiatives must align with the purpose of the Fund and demonstrate a clear focus on the following five objectives:

1. STEM-focused

Projects must support Pacific peoples — especially youth — to engage with and participate in STEM. This could include:

  • building awareness and interest in STEM subjects.
  • strengthening STEM capability and confidence.
  • supporting pathways into STEM education, training or employment.

2. Community-focused

Projects must demonstrate strong connections to Pacific communities and be designed in response to community needs. This includes:

  • culturally grounded delivery that reflects Pacific values and practices.
  • collaboration with Pacific families, schools or community organisations.
  • approaches that are accessible, inclusive and relevant to the target audience.

3. Youth-focused

Projects must target Pacific youth or meaningfully involve them in design and delivery. This could include:

  • co-design with Pacific youth.
  • youth-led or youth-informed delivery models.
  • initiatives that build leadership, confidence or identity through STEM.

4. Impact-focused

Projects must include a clear plan to measure success and demonstrate impact. This includes:

  • defined outcomes and indicators of success.
  • collecting feedback and performance data.
  • a commitment to learning and continuous improvement.

5. Access-focused

Projects should reach Pacific communities that have limited access to STEM opportunities. This could include:

  • communities in regions with fewer services or lower participation rates.
  • initiatives that reduce barriers to participation.
  • approaches that extend reach beyond urban centres or traditional delivery settings.
  • Applications open: Friday 14 November 2025 at 12pm.
  • Applications close: Friday 28 November 2025 at 12pm.
  • We aim to inform applicants of the outcome of their application by the end of December 2025.
  • Successful providers will receive funding by the end of January.

To apply, your organisation must:

  • be a legal entity registered in New Zealand (for example, a charitable trust, incorporated society or company).
  • be Pacific-led and serve Pacific communities in Aotearoa.
  • have delivered STEM education or engagement programmes within the past three years or present a strong, well-supported proposal demonstrating capability to deliver STEM programmes or engagement activities and alignment with the Toloa Fund’s objectives.

You must also hold, or agree to obtain before funding is released:

  • public liability insurance (recommended minimum $1 million).
  • professional indemnity insurance (recommended minimum $1 million) if your initiative includes tutoring, mentoring or advisory services.
  • personal financial assistance.
  • debt repayment or debt servicing.
  • academic research and other research activities.
  • programmes and activities delivered overseas, including the New Zealand realm countries.
  • travel, accommodation, or fact-finding tours.

All eligible applications are assessed against key criteria to ensure the strongest community outcomes.

Applications are scored on:

  • Strategic alignment – how well the project supports Pacific youth in STEM (30%)
  • STEM focus – quality and relevance of STEM content (15%)
  • Community connection – relationships with Pacific communities and cultural grounding (15%)
  • Reach and impact – who will benefit and what change is expected (15%)
  • Organisational capability – readiness, experience and systems to deliver (15%)
  • Budget and value – alignment of costs with outcomes (10%)

You can view the full assessment matrix here: Toloa Community Fund Assessment Matrix (PDF 92 KB)

Follow the link below to apply and it will take you to our application portal Kātoatoa – there is guidance in the application form to help you submit an application.

Apply through Kātoatoa.

If you already have an account, you can log in and get started.

If you do not have an account, please register.

If you have questions about the fund, please email [email protected].

If you are having any technical issues with your application, please email [email protected].