Community groups invited to apply for Kinetic funding

Community groups, schools, sports clubs and not-for-profit organisations across Auckland are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to $10,000 through transport operator Kinetic’s Moving Communities Fund.

Now in its second year, the fund offers financial assistance as well as practical support to grassroots organisations working to improve their communities.

A total of $80,000 is available nationally through the 2026 programme, with support aimed at projects focused on health and accessibility, youth wellbeing, education, diversity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, cultural connection and local community services.

In addition to funding, successful applicants may receive assistance through transport services, marketing support, bus-back advertising, radio campaigns and digital billboard advertising to help raise awareness of their work.

The programme attracted almost 300 applications during its first year in Aotearoa, with 18 organisations receiving funding or other support.

Among the Auckland organisations supported last year were YWCA Auckland and Diamonds in the Rough. Other recipients nationwide included groups providing homelessness support, disability advocacy, road safety initiatives and youth wellbeing programmes.

Kinetic NZ managing director Calum Haslop said the company was keen to hear from organisations making a positive difference in their local communities.

“The applications we received in our first year were incredibly inspiring,” he said.

“Our people live and work in the communities we serve across Aotearoa, so we see first-hand the important work being done at the grassroots level. Many of these organisations achieve remarkable outcomes with limited resources.”

Applications are now open at www.wearekinetic.com/community and close 24 June.

Successful recipients will be announced in August.