Explore Funding Opportunities
We aim to build long term relationships with people and groups who regenerate ecosystems, strengthen communities, and build long-term resilience across Aotearoa New Zealand. Whether you’re an individual, grassroots group, or established organisation—if your kaupapa is rooted in care for land, water, and people, we’d love to hear from you.
Next Giving Round closes: 31 July 2025
Who We Are
Biome Trust is a charitable trust focused on transforming financial wealth into ecological and community wellbeing.
We back bold, regenerative ideas that care for land, water, people, and future generations across Aotearoa New Zealand.
A Quick Snapshot
Gift range
$5,000–$50,000
Giving Rounds
Twice per year (closing 31 July and 30 November)
Decision timeframe
We aim for within 4 weeks after closing
Who we support
We generally support NZ registered organisations but remain open to individuals or unregistered collectives or individuals.
Before exploring funding opportunities
☐ Is your kaupapa aligned with our focus areas?
☐ Are you ready to share about your approach, progress, plans and team?
Focus Areas
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Regenerating ecosystems and land through bioregional restoration and sustainable practices in food, forestry, and aquaculture.
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Fostering resilient communities with circular systems, renewable energy, and local wellbeing initiatives.
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Advancing ecological knowledge through inclusive education, research, and immersive learning.
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Supporting health and healing via traditional medicine, soil and water care, and community-accessible infrastructure.
What we look for
We’re especially drawn to people or causes that
Are working in our Focus Areas (see above).
Are led by people who are high integrity, capable leaders, thoughtful, and committed.
Where even small contributions can unlock meaningful impact.
Who We Support
We welcome interest from:
Individuals, groups, or organisations based in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Registered entities and unregistered collectives (we can suggest a funding host like Gift Collective).
Early-stage ideas—including pilots, prototypes, or emerging kaupapa.
First-time applicants and people and groups from all backgrounds, especially encouraging communities historically underrepresented in philanthropy.
Before Exploring Funding Opportunities
Take a moment to consider:
Does your kaupapa align with one or more of our focus areas? (See ‘Focus Areas’ above) [add link]
Can you clearly describe your work, your team, and what’s ahead?
If this is your first time exploring funding opportunities with us, don’t stress about having everything perfect. We value clarity, purpose, and thoughtfulness over polish.
How to Explore Funding Opportunities
Explore our kaupapa – Get familiar with our mission and past giftees to understand what we’re about.
Seek support – Share who you are, what you’re working on, and how we might support you.
Submit before the giving round deadline.
🔒 Privacy & Data Protection: We treat your information with care. Applications for support are reviewed by our team and trusted advisors, and all data is stored securely—especially for community-led or culturally sensitive initiatives.
What Happens Next
Confirmation: We’ll confirm we’ve received your application for support.
Decision Timeframe: We aim to process applications within 4 weeks of the giving round closing.
Further Kōrero: We may get in touch for a quick kōrero or to clarify anything.
Outcome Notification: All applicants will be notified of the outcome.
We may not be able to give detailed feedback, but please know that every application is carefully considered with appreciation for the thought and effort you’ve put in.
After Receiving a Gift
We see gifting as a relationship, not a transaction. If your direction shifts, just keep us in the loop—we’re here to adapt alongside you.
Each year, we invite our giftees to share a short update. This could include key milestones, lessons learned, and what’s ahead. We’re just as interested in what didn’t go to plan as what did.
As part of our ongoing support, you may also receive:
🌱 Strategic advice.
📣 Storytelling opportunities through Ma Earth.
🤝 Introductions and convening across our networks.
Returning Giftees
If we’ve supported your kaupapa before, we may offer further support through informal kōrero, so there's no need to formally seek support again.
Giving Exclusions
While we aim to stay open-minded, there are a few things we generally can’t support through gifts:
🚫 Political campaigns.
🚫 Projects that primarily benefit private individuals or shareholders.
🚫 Work based entirely outside of Aotearoa New Zealand.
We also don’t offer gifts to for-profit social enterprises at this time—but we’re open to exploring other forms of support, such as impact investment or collaboration, where there’s strong alignment.
Need Help or Want to Stay in Touch?
We’ve designed our process to be as self-guided and straightforward as possible—most questions can be answered by exploring our website, including the frequently asked questions below.
Still have a question?
Use our contact form to get in touch—we’re here to help.
Want updates on future giving rounds and giftee stories?
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions.
About Biome Trust
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We are a charitable trust in Aotearoa New Zealand, committed to planetary health and ecological regeneration. We aim to rewild the Earth by transforming financial wealth into ecological wealth.
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We were founded by a group of philanthropists with deep roots in Aotearoa New Zealand and experience across technology, community building, and ecological systems. Our trustees and advisors bring diverse perspectives, and we aim to steward resources toward long-term planetary health and community wellbeing.
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Our founders bring tech experience and global connections that they love to share with giftees. As a team of global changemakers, we’re energised by bold ideas and fresh thinking, and we’re especially keen to support committed leaders who may not follow traditional paths but offer strong vision and purpose.
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We are privately funded through the philanthropic contributions of our founders and trustees.
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We have a mixed approach: we proactively identify and support key initiatives, and we also offer the opportunity to explore funding opportunities on our website. We aim to keep the process simple, efficient, and rooted in trust and collaboration.
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You can explore funding opportunities here. Before seeking support, we encourage you to read our website, including past giftee stories.
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We run two support rounds each year, typically closing in July and November. Exact dates are published at the top of this web page.
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Before submitting a funding application, reflect on these key questions to ensure your project aligns with our kaupapa:
Is your kaupapa strongly aligned with our focus areas? (See focus areas above [add link])
Can you articulate your work, your plans, and your team?
If you’re seeking support for the first time, don’t worry about perfection. We value clarity, purpose, and thoughtfulness over polish.
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If you need to update your application after submission, use our contact form to get in touch to send us the changes. We’ll review your updates and adjust your application accordingly. Please provide clear details about the changes you're requesting.
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All application data is securely stored and reviewed only by our team and relevant advisors. We prioritize your privacy and handle your information with care.
How to Explore Funding Opportunities
Giving Limitations
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We do not provide gifts to for-profit organizations. However, we are open to exploring alternative ways to support aligned social enterprises, such as through impact investments.
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We generally do not support political campaigns, private ventures that benefit individuals, or projects based exclusively outside New Zealand. Our focus is on supporting projects that align with our mission and comply with New Zealand charitable law.
Support & Updates
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We’ve designed our application process to be as clear as possible, allowing you to share who you are and how you might collaborate with us without needing to contact us first. Before submitting a funding application, we encourage you to review our website, including this page. If you still have questions, use our contact form to get in touch.
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You can subscribe to our newsletter or visit biometrust.earth for updates about support rounds, events, and giftee stories.
Selection Criteria & Focus Areas
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We’re especially drawn to initiatives that align with one or more of our focus areas:
Regenerating ecosystems and land through bioregional restoration and sustainable practices in food, forestry, and aquaculture.
Fostering resilient communities with circular systems, renewable energy, and local wellbeing initiatives.
Advancing ecological knowledge through inclusive education, research, and immersive learning.
Supporting health and healing via traditional medicine, soil and water care, and community-accessible infrastructure.
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We’re drawn to causes led by talented leaders who are thoughtful and committed–where even a modest contribution can unlock meaningful impact. We favour kaupapa that align with our focus areas and show potential for deep community benefit, or broader systems change (see the causes we focus on shown above).
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See our support for Papawhakaritorito Charitable Trust, The Learning Environment, and Happen Films.
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We welcome interest from groups of all backgrounds, especially encouraging those historically less connected to mainstream philanthropy. We're committed to a giving process that is fair, inclusive, and accessible, and we work to recognize and reduce bias throughout.
Review and Decision Timeline
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Applications: Giving rounds are typically open twice a year, with deadlines in July and November. Ensure you submit your application by the relevant deadline.
Review Process: Once the support round closes, our team begins reviewing applications. We aim for this process to take up to 4 weeks. We’ll let you know if your application was successful or not.
Decision Making: After reviewing applications, final decisions are made by our team and trustees. If needed, we consult with advisors or experts to ensure a thorough evaluation.
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Final decisions are made by the team and trustees at Biome Trust, often with input from advisors and relevant experts.
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Our team notifies all applicants of the outcome. We may not be able to give detailed feedback, but please know that every application for support is carefully considered with appreciation for the thought and effort you’ve put in.
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Yes, you can seek support again if your application was unsuccessful. We encourage you to reflect on any lessons learned, and submit a revised application in the next support round. Each new application will be considered on its own merits.
Post-Giving Expectations and Support
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Beyond giving, we provide strategic guidance, introductions, and the opportunity for storytelling through Ma Earth. We also offer convening opportunities, connecting giftees with our extensive networks to amplify impact and foster collaboration.
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Absolutely. We actively profile our giftees through our newsletter and social media channels, offering opportunities for visibility and collaboration on communications.
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We value your time. Each year, we invite our giftees to share a short update. This update can include key milestones, learnings, and next steps. We’re equally interested in what didn’t work as in what did—we value honest reflection and shared learning to grow together.
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We understand that plans evolve. We support people as much as projects, so stay in touch with us if your direction changes. Our goal is to build lasting relationships, not just one-time transactions, and we’re here to adapt alongside you.
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Acknowledgement is appreciated but not required. Share in ways that feel authentic to your community.
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Yes, previous giftees can seek support again. If we’ve supported your kaupapa before, we may offer further support through informal kōrero, so there's no need to seek support formally.
Who Can Explore Funding Opportunities?
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Individuals or groups based in Aotearoa New Zealand are eligible to seek support from Biome Trust.
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We generally support registered organisations but remain open to individuals or unregistered collectives or individuals. Gift Collective can be used as a fiscal sponsor if needed.
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Yes. We are open to emerging ideas and prototypes, especially where there’s potential for broader impact, learning, or system influence.
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Our primary focus is on supporting projects based in Aotearoa New Zealand. At this time, we do not provide support for international initiatives.
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Yes, you can seek support multiple times. However, we recommend prioritising your strongest idea. Each submission should be distinct and well-defined. We consider your previous work and potential—beyond just the project plan.
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You can seek support in each giving round (twice per year). If seeking support again, we’ll look for clear evolution or learnings since your last submission.
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Yes. If your work aligns with our focus areas and selection criteria, you're welcome to seek support—regardless of whether you’ve received other support.
Gift Details
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Most gifts range from $5,000 to $50,000. Larger gifts may be considered where impact and alignment are strong.
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Sometimes we start with a one-off gift, other times we make an ongoing commitment. Our aim is to build lasting relationships, not just one-time transactions.
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Yes. Depending on the circumstances, we can support both core, and project-specific costs.
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Matching support is not expected, but we’re glad to collaborate with co-funders when it strengthens your work.
You can read about our previous philanthropic work through the Namaste fund in this report.
Biome Trust Aotearoa is committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation for learning, equity and partnership between tangata whenua (the first peoples of Aotearoa) and tangata Tiriti (all others who have come here).
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