The New Zealand Government's Mental Health Innovation Fund is now open to smaller Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) with a lower match funding threshold of $100,000.
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey made the announcement at the Platform Trust Members Day, stating that the change was made following feedback from the sector. The fund was created in consultation with NGOs to support innovative projects and initiatives that increase access to mental health support across New Zealand. Minister Doocey emphasized the Government's commitment to bringing down mental health and addiction wait times and providing timely access to mental health support for all New Zealanders.
The Mental Health Innovation Fund will see $10 million spent across two years, with successful proposals required to demonstrate that they can address key areas such as increasing access to mental health support and protecting public specialist services. The fund will be co-funded on a dollar-for-dollar matched funding basis, making it more accessible for smaller NGOs to benefit.