The November 2026 Funding Round is still open. Parish groups, agencies and church organisations that provide a helping hand by supporting Families and Social Services are invited to apply for funding from the Catholic Charities Foundation of Palmerston and the Tindall Foundation through the Diocesan Allocations group.
Each funding round provides an opportunity to support organisations and parish initiatives that are making a real difference in the lives of people across our diocese. From supporting families and older people through to providing housing, food security, education and community connection, the Catholic Charities Foundation funding programme continues to help strengthen communities and respond to local needs.
Among the organisations supported in recent funding rounds was Legacy Housing, which provides social housing and wrap-around support services throughout Manawatū, Whanganui and Horowhenua. Funding was provided towards the delivery of support services within its Whānau Flats programme, helping residents access tenancy support, wellbeing services and pathways towards greater stability and independence.
Palmerston North City Mission received funding support for its SPACE Parenting Programme, which offers education, encouragement and connection for parents during their baby’s first year. Through weekly sessions, parents gain practical parenting skills while building supportive relationships with other families. Feedback from participants highlighted the value of having a safe, non-judgemental environment where questions can be asked, experiences shared and lasting friendships formed.
Support was also provided to Parentline Manawatū, helping cover communication costs associated with providing free and low-cost counselling and parenting programmes for local whānau. Parentline reported that this assistance enabled it to continue supporting Palmerston North and Manawatū families by promoting healthy relationships and positive parenting.
Several organisations received funding for projects that strengthen social connection and inclusion within their communities. Age Concern received support to recruit and train volunteer visitors for older people experiencing social isolation, while St Mary’s Parish, Palmerston North was assisted to run programmes that bring older parishioners together for friendship and fellowship. Funding also contributed to programmes for children and older people delivered by Supporting Families in Mental Illness.
Funding assisted a range of initiatives addressing practical needs within the community. This included support for New Plymouth Community Foodbank to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to people in need, and assistance for Christian Love Link, whose project focused on collecting, repairing and distributing second-hand goods to members of the community experiencing hardship.
Other funded projects included community information and therapeutic resources through Arohanui Hospice, public education initiatives delivered by Epilepsy Hawke’s Bay, and activity programmes supported by volunteers at the Paul Hunter Centre. Funding also enabled SPELADD NZ to train additional assessors, helping build future capability within the organisation.
Support was provided for initiatives aimed at strengthening organisations and community services. Niuvaka Trust received assistance for board and cultural capability development, while the Religious Diversity Centre Aotearoa New Zealand Trust received support towards the production of educational and promotional material. Weave was funded for work focused on improving accessibility to social services.
Funding has also supported the work of Palmerston North Street Van, a volunteer-led organisation that has been serving the city since 1994. Through its funding application, support was sought to help provide food for people experiencing hardship and assist with transportation for vulnerable members of the community.
Funding also contributed to a number of parish and youth-focused initiatives. This included support for hospitality within the Alpha evangelisation programme run by the Catholic Parish of Whanganui, and funding for Zeal Education Trust’s free after-school programme for young people.
These examples demonstrate the breadth of work being supported through the Catholic Charities Foundation and Tindall Foundation funding programme. Whether assisting vulnerable individuals, strengthening families, reducing social isolation, supporting education, enhancing community participation or contributing to pastoral outreach, funded projects are making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Funding support is not only for large organisations. Smaller community groups, charities and parish initiatives often benefit greatly from receiving funding, with grants helping to cover operational costs, support volunteers, strengthen programmes and respond to local needs. If your organisation would benefit from additional support, please don’t hesitate to apply. We also warmly welcome repeat applications, including from groups that may not have been successful previously. The needs of communities change over time, and we encourage organisations to put forward their projects and let us know how funding could help them make a difference.
If your parish, agency or community organisation is undertaking work that aligns with the diocesan funding priorities, we encourage you to consider applying in the current funding round. Your project could be the next initiative helping bring hope, support and practical assistance to people across our diocese.
Applications for the November 2026 Funding Round close on Wednesday 30 September 2026. More information and application forms can be found here.