The Whau Mental Health Research Foundation supports high quality research in New Zealand into studies that address problems with mental health by providing funding for studies into their epidemiology, aetiology, pathology, clinical presentation, intervention and prevention or towards any one or more related objects or purposes which are charitable in accordance with the law of New Zealand, which related objects and purposes are declared to be the objects and purposes of the Trust.
2025 Research Applications
Applications are now closed for Whau Foundation’s 2025 Funding Round.
Each year, researchers are invited to apply for either a general research grant exploring a mental health topic of their choice, or for a targeted project aligned with the priority area. In 2025 the priority area is research into anxiety and depression. The total funds available for projects in 2025 will be in the region of $60,000.
Māori Lived Experience Research
We are pleased to be offering a special research grant in 2025 for a Māori Lived Experience researcher. Applicants can apply for funds to support research in an area of mental health of their choosing. The scholarship amount is for project costs of up to $10,000.
Timing
The Foundation receives and reviews research applications annually. Applications must be received by the Grants Administrator (grants@whaufoundation.org.nz) no later than the last Friday of September (Friday 26 September 2025). All applicants will be advised of the success or otherwise of their application.
Applications
Grants to successful applicants in recent years have been for amounts up to approximately $30,000. The trustees will accept and consider applications for smaller or larger amounts too. All applications are considered on their merit.
Queries
Any queries regarding grant applications should be sent to grants@whaufoundation.org.nz
Forms
The below forms should be used when making an application. Please note, the Grant Agreement is an example only and not required at the time of making an application.
Reporting Requirements
The Foundation requires a Progress Report and a Final Report for each project that it funds, as detailed in the respective Report Requirements documents. The Progress Report is due 10 months after the grant funds are paid to the Host Institution. The Final Report is due within 3 months of the project completion date.
