Source: New Zealand Government
Round Three of the successful Mental Health and Addiction Innovation Fund has been announced with changes that aim to increase access to support across New Zealand, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced.
“The Government’s mental health plan is delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response. Grassroots community organisations play a big role in helping us achieve that,” Mr Doocey says.
“Already, the Fund has supported nineteen organisations around the country, increasing access for many Kiwis. Initiatives include helping young people stay safe online, supporting young mothers, Women’s Refuge services, a crisis café, and support for people in the construction industry.”
“I have been very clear from the start that I am open to making changes to the Fund. I have heard the sector loud and clear that further changes were needed to allow more organisations to access funding. This idea was born from talking to the sector, so it is only right they have a say in the changes.”
In response, the requirement for an independent Social Return on Investment (SROI) report as part of the application process has been revised. Instead, applicants will submit a proposal outlining the intended outcomes and how potential social return will be measured. A full external SROI report will then be completed towards the end of the project.
“This change allows community organisations to use matched funding for half of the external SROI report, increasing access to the Fund while helping organisations clearly demonstrate the outcomes of their programmes,” Mr Doocey says.
“This approach opens the door for greater access to the Innovation Fund, while still maintaining robust evaluation and evidence. At the end of the day, we want grassroots organisations that know their communities best to bring forward new ideas that can be supported. I am proud that this Government is backing them.
“But the real winners are the thousands of people who benefit from the partnership, with more New Zealanders able to have timely access to support around the country.
“This is the second change to the fund. After the first round, we heard clearly from organisations that the $250,000 matched-funding requirement was a barrier. In response, that threshold was lowered to $100,000 in round two, further increasing access to the Fund.”
Notes to editor:
• Contracts are expected to be in place from Quarter 1 2026/27.
• With this change, $20 million has now been made available through the Fund. This third round will continue the Fund for a further two years, with $5 million per annum available in 2026/27 and 2027/28. Providers may submit proposals covering both years.
• The full criteria includes:
• Increases access to mental health and addiction support
• Protects public specialist mental health and addiction services by reducing demand
• Develops capacity in the mental health and addiction workforce Uses technology to drive productivity
• Delivers scalable solutions for unmet need
• Returns positive social return on investment (with evidence)
• Achieves positive outcomes for target population groups that have evidence of poorer mental health outcomes than other groups
• Will be co-funded on a dollar-for-dollar matched funding basis.