With grants of up to $5,000, the Kai Ora Fund supports Northland based community-driven projects and initiatives that address food security and improve community resilience.

Since it began in 2015, the Kai Ora Fund has helped over 320 grassroots projects with over $1,000,000 in funding. Applications for 2026 funding are now open.

The purpose of the Kai Ora Fund is to enable Northlanders to eat nutritious and sustainably sourced local food, which now, with the increasing cost of living, is more important than ever.

“The Kai Ora Fund is about more than food. It’s about backing whānau to use their skills, knowledge, and innovation to provide for their own, even in tough times. When whānau are supported to grow and gather their own kai, it strengthens resilience, mana, and wellbeing for generations to come” says Erana Peita, Kai Ora Fund Coordinator at Mahitahi Hauora.

Community groups, whānau trusts, social enterprises, and small businesses are invited to apply and support is available to help people through the application process. The closing date for applications is 17 May 2026. For more information or to apply visit www.kaiorafund.com or email partners@kaiorafund.com, or watch: The Kai Ora Fund Explainer Video.

About Kai Ora Fund Partners

The Kai Ora Fund is a collaborative multi-sector initiative comprising Mahitahi Hauora PHE, Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Social Development | Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora, Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand – Te Tai Tokerau, Kāinga Ora | Homes and Communities, Kaipara District Council, Healthy Families Far North, Whangārei District Council, Te Kaunihera o Te Hiku o Te Ika | Far North District Council and Foundation North.

© Scoop Media