Application Process 2024:
May 2024 Funding Round Cancelled:
Watch this space for further details
After five years of running funding rounds in May and October each year, the Foundation is currently reflecting on the best way to continue supporting and enabling the growth of the New Zealand Literary Sector. As a result, we are cancelling our May 2024 funding round. We look forward to sharing our plans for the future later in the year.
Biannual Grant Funding Criteria
The Foundation will grant funds for projects that:
Relate to New Zealand literature (fiction,
non-fiction, poetry)Are new initiatives or business expansion initiatives
Have clearly identified, achievable and measurable
outcomes
Exclusions
The Foundation will generally NOT fund:
The creation, publication, or promotion of
individual books or anthologiesProjects which relate to screenwriting (for plays,
films or TV) or are performance-based in natureBusiness-as-usual activities or costs such
as ongoing operational or staff overheadsAncillary project costs, including catering
expenses or international travelProjects that can access full funding elsewhere
Projects connected to the annual Auckland
Writers Festival
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Foundation provide support for individual writing projects?
The Foundation will not fund the writing, publishing or promotion of individual titles.
How much information should I include in my project budget?
The more specific the budget, the better. You can also include line items for which you're seeking (or have received) funding elsewhere so that we can see the full scope of your picture.
Will the Foundation support local projects that involve overseas writers?
The Foundation’s kaupapa is to support New Zealand writers, but the inclusion of international writers alongside will not necessarily exclude the project from support.
Will the Foundation support promotional activities for writers?
The Foundation does not exclude funding in this area, and all proposals will be considered on their merits and their ability to deliver against our long-term objectives as outlined above.
Will the Foundation support literature-related projects from submitters who have no prior track record of literary sector funding or projects
Whilst the Foundation anticipates that most successful projects will be driven by people with demonstrated sector success, it is open to projects from newcomers where those projects are robust, compelling and deliver broad benefits.
Can I ask for more than $5,000 - $20,000?
No. Whilst in exceptional circumstances, and when assessing budgets, the Foundation may choose to offer more than this maximum, this will be entirely at the Foundation’s discretion, and initial applications should be realistically pitched at the stated level.
If I submit an application, when can I expect to hear back from the Foundation?
All submissions will be acknowledged as received, and both successful and unsuccessful submissions will be notified within six weeks of the closing date.
Can I get feedback on why I have not been successful?
All decisions are at the discretion of the Foundation, and feedback will not be provided except where the Foundation considers it merited. Please note that the Foundation will need to weigh up a variety of factors in making its decisions, including the availability of funds, so failure to progress does not imply that the project is not recognised as valuable.
If I am unsuccessful, can I re-submit the same project again?
Whilst you are welcome to re-submit, we would encourage you to present new projects in future rounds as it is likely that unsuccessful but strong projects will generate feedback when first presented.
Can I submit more than one project?
You may submit as many projects as meet the criteria.
How can I see what projects have been supported?
Supported projects are featured on our projects page once approved for funding.
How can I support the Foundation’s work?
The Foundation welcomes bequests which will enable it to build capital reserves and strengthen its funding capability. For further information, please contact us on info@matatuhifoundation.co.nz