Why the Rural Wellbeing Fund is needed
People living in rural communities face unique challenges which can take a toll. They include:
- adverse weather, such as dry conditions and floods
- difficult economic conditions
- isolation
- distance to health services.
There are recognised wellbeing benefits in supporting farmers, especially during tough times. Providing advice, resources, and practical programmes to help farmers get through is important.
How the fund will help support rural people
The Rural Wellbeing Fund will support organisations to develop and deliver wellbeing initiatives in rural communities.
Budget 2025 provides $2 million over four years, through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), for the contestable fund.
Funding will be allocated through a competitive process.
Purpose of the fund
The fund will back wellbeing programmes that:
- boost support for existing initiatives
- broaden access to existing initiatives
- improve consolidation of existing initiatives
- improve the viability of organisations delivering wellbeing initiatives
- deliver new initiatives where gaps exist.
How to apply for funding
Further details, including how to apply for funding, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
How the wellbeing fund will operate
The fund will be administered by MPI. It will implement a 2-stage application process.
Expressions of interest will be assessed by a governance group that will include industry representatives.
Successful expressions of interest will be invited to submit a funding application.
All applications will be required to demonstrate industry support and co-funding.
