In the context of play, active recreation and sport the name calls to all New Zealanders to live Sport NZ’s vision - 'Every Body Active'.
We’ve reshaped Tū Manawa to strengthen how we continue to support schools, clubs, and community groups offering sport, active recreation, and play for tamariki and rangatahi aged 5–18 years.
More relational: We begin with a koorero, not a form. You’ll meet with our team to explore how your project idea aligns with the purpose of Tū Manawa.
Applications by request: After our initial conversation, we will work with you to develop your application. This collaborative approach helps to ensure your project is well-supported from the start.
Rolling fund: Tū Manawa is open from 1st July to 30th June so you can apply when your project is ready- no need to wait for fixed funding rounds.
We prioritise support for not-for-profit organisations, including clubs, schools, and community groups that are formally registered and have a legal structure.
Other organisations may be considered if their projects align with the fund’s purpose. Individuals are not eligible to apply.
The fund is managed, on Sport NZ’s behalf, by Regional Sports Trusts (RSTs) and is designed to ensure it reaches the communities that need it most.
Have a project idea?
We'd love to hear from you, but before reaching out, please take a moment to review the details of our new approach.
If you’ve read through the information and believe your idea aligns with the funding criteria, get in touch to book a meeting and start the conversation with our Community Funding Coordinator.
We welcome applications from the following organisation types (please note, funded entities must have legal status):
Hapū, iwi, marae, Māori organisations
Incorporated clubs or societies
Charitable Trusts
Regional or local councils
For-profit businesses/commercial organisations and social enterprises
Education settings:
- Primary/Intermediate schools/Kura
- Secondary schools/Wharekura
Where an organisation or group wishes to apply but has no legal status, we recommend you consider partnering with a qualifying (legal) entity.
Where a project or programme is to be delivered in a school/kura setting during class time and involving external provision the application needs to show evidence that the school or kura has been involved in the design of the project/programme, that it is based on participant wants and needs, and that it addresses the barriers to access for the students within that school or kura.
In this case the Implementation in a school/kura settings template must be attached to your application – this should be read in conjunction with the Working Together for Tamariki support document on the Sport NZ website.
The following are not eligible to apply:
Please review the Community Guidelines for a Tū Manawa project before applying:
| Tū Manawa Community Guidelines 2024-2028 | Tū Manawa Community Guidelines 2024-2028 (Te Reo) |
| Te Whetū Rehua | Voice of Participant |
| Budget Template | School Application Support |
| Kaupapa Maaori Application Support | Mana Taiohi Principles |
| Balance is Better | Sport NZ’s Play Plan |
| Three Approaches | Quality Indicators |
| Sport NZ Insights Tool | Other funders |
| Disability Application Support- Halberg supports applicants to develop purpose designed projects for a quality experience. |
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