Helping Hands Grants 

The Helping Hands Grants aims to help museums, galleries and iwi groups that rely solely or in part on volunteers to operate.

• Who can apply?
• What is the Helping Hands Grant for?
• What don't we fund?
• How much funding is available?
• When are applications due?
• How do I apply?
• How is payment made?

Who can apply?

This grant is for museums, galleries and iwi groups that rely solely or in part on volunteers to operate and do not receive substantial operational local body funding.

If you are the recipient of a Strategic Project Grant, please note that you cannot apply for a Helping Hands Grant in the same financial year.

What is the Helping Hands Grant for?

This grant is about helping your organisation do its job, and can be used to obtain materials, services and information, or to support projects up to a total of $1000. It cannot be used to purchase equipment (i.e. computers, photocopiers, unless less than $500).

Examples of where this grant can help include:

• the purchase of conservation materials e.g. gloves, acid free boxes etc
• paying fees (not salaries) for professional advice on a range of museum matters, including exhibition design, interpretation, conservation advice
• addressing issues raised by undertaking the New Zealand Museums Standards Scheme (for example, improving collection care).
• paying for the services of tradespeople (lighting expert, plumbers, builders etc)
• rental fees (renting a dehumidifier, television for an exhibition etc)
• the development of marketing materials including brochures
• costs associated with pest extermination and fumigation
• the purchase of construction materials e.g. paint, wood, and tools
• repair costs for office equipment.

In consultation with us the grant can support:

• accessing training or professional development opportunities offered by National Services Te Paerangi and others
• assistance with attending training opportunities, which may include travel and/or accommodation costs
• conference fees.

Please call freephone 0508 678 743 or talk to your Development Officer for further information:

Victoria Esson, Acting General Manager - for North Island
Email: vesson@tepapa.govt.nz | Ph: 04 381 7293

Judith Taylor, Museum Development Officer - South Island
Email: juditht@tepapa.govt.nz | Ph: 029 601 0410

Gavin Reedy, Iwi Development Officer
Email: gavinr@tepapa.govt.nz | Ph: 029 601 0440

Please note that this grant is not meant to support the purchase of capital items (i.e. any item that lasts longer than 12 months and costs more than $500 exclusive of GST). This includes dehumidifiers and other equipment etc.  

NSTP Helping Hands Grants for small museums criteria (PDF, 90.7kB)

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What don’t we fund?

We have a limited pool of funds to distribute each year. As a result, we cannot accept grant applications for projects supported by other funders, including oral history projects and conservation treatment of collection objects.

We don't support the purchase of capital items (i.e. any item that lasts longer than 12 months and costs more than $500 exclusive of GST). This includes dehumidifiers and other equipment unless under $500.  

If you are uncertain as to whether your project may be supported by other funders, freephone 0508 678 743 to seek clarification from National Services Te Paerangi prior to completing your application form.

NSTP Helping Hands Grants for small museums criteria (PDF, 90.7kB)

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How much funding is available?

Applications are welcome for any amount up to a maximum of $1,000 inclusive of GST. An organisation can make only one application per financial year.

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When are applications due?

There is no cut-off date for the Helping Hands Grant. Applications will be considered at any time on their merit.

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How do I apply?

National Services Te Paerangi can help with any aspect of your application. Please call our freephone 0508 678 743 at any time for assistance. 

Important note: Payment is made upon NSTP receiving your invoice accompanied by any supporting receipts. We require an invoice directly from your organisation as we are unable to make payment direct to a supplier. 

 NSTP Helping Hands Grants for small museums application form (DOC, 84.5kB)

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How is payment made?

We require an invoice directly from your organisation as we are unable to make payment direct to a supplier.

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