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Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People View our
NZSL name

Community Capability Development Grants

We provide funding annually to help the disability community build skills, knowledge and leadership. 

This funding supports work led by: 

  • Deaf and disabled people
  • tāngata whaikaha Māori
  • families and whānau
  • allies. 

Funding can be used to: 

  • build leadership skills
  • increase understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
  • strengthen governance
  • help communities connect with government and inform policy development and decisions. 

This programme helps New Zealand meet its commitments under the UNCRPD by building disability community capability and leadership. 

2025/26 funding 

Funding for 2025/26 was shared across 3 areas: 

  • Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) Grants
  • Community Capability Grants
  • NZSL Community Grants. 

Total funding for the year ending 30 June 2026 is $1.696 million. This funding goes directly to the community. 

Organisations that receive funding for 2026/27 must meet agreed milestones and report back to Whaikaha. These are set out in their funding agreements. 

Read about the funding recipients: Community grants announced to strengthen disability leadership

2026/27 funding 

We are planning the next round of Community Capability Development Grants. Applications are expected to open in 2026.