Dream Big for Kiwi School Kids

For 30 years, sKids has been part of school communities across Aotearoa, supporting tamariki, whānau and schools to learn, connect and thrive. To celebrate this milestone, we’re looking to the future and investing in the next generation of Kiwi school kids.

The sKids 30-Year Community Impact Grant will provide NZ$30,000 to help one school bring a community-focused project to life.

We’re inviting schools to dream big and share their vision for the future. Whether it’s a new space, a wellbeing initiative, a cultural project or an idea that strengthens connection and belonging, we want to hear how your school would create a lasting impact for children, families and the wider community.

What could your school do with $30,000?

We’re looking for ideas that create meaningful and lasting benefits for tamariki, whānau and local communities. Your project might:

  • Support student wellbeing and belonging
  • Strengthen connections with whānau and the wider community
  • Celebrate culture, diversity and inclusion
  • Create new opportunities for play, learning and connection
  • Improve spaces, resources or experiences that benefit children
  • Support participation, inclusion and community engagement

Big or small, we’re looking for ideas that capture the spirit of Dream Big for Kiwi School Kids and help shape an even brighter future for your school community.

Who can apply?

The grant is open to current sKids partner schools across New Zealand, along with schools that will have commenced a sKids programme by Term 1, 2026.Not currently partnered with sKids? We'd still love to hear from you. Schools interested in partnering with sKids are invited to register their interest and speak with our team about partnership opportunities and grant eligibility before applying. Contact: 30years@skids.co.nz

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How to apply

There is no right or wrong approach. We’re looking for submissions that captures your school’s culture, diversity, creativity and community spirit. We encourage schools to be creative and choose the approach that best reflects their community and project idea.

Digital submissions can be uploaded as part of the online application.

Physical submissions can be posted to sKids at the address provided in the application guidelines: sKids, 62a Diana Dr, Glenfield, Auckland

Key Dates:

Applications open shortly.

Judging criteria – What will we be looking for?

  • Community impact
  • Benefit for children and families
  • Student voice and involvement
  • Creativity and vision
  • Feasibility of the idea

Part 1: Your school’s project proposal

Tell us:

  1. What is your project idea?
  2. How will it benefit tamariki, whānau and your school community?
  3. How would you use the NZ$30,000 grant?

Part 2: Your creative submission

Show us your vision for the future. We’d love to see what your project could mean for the children, families and wider community who would benefit from it.

Your creative submission can be digital or physical and can take almost any form, including:

  • Videos, music, dance or performances
  • Written stories, songs or poems
  • Student artwork or design concepts
  • Drawings, murals or visual displays
  • Photography
  • Presentations
  • Student reflections, messages or ideas

Digital submissions can be uploaded through the application form.
Or post to sKids using the address provided in the application guidelines.

Apply now

    Entry submission

    Select a file of up to 10MB or share a link for us to download it.

    Child voice is at the heart of this initiative

    We encourage schools to involve students throughout the process, from identifying opportunities and generating ideas through to creating the final submission.

    This could include brainstorming concepts, creating artwork, producing videos, sharing feedback or helping shape the overall vision.

    We’re particularly excited to see submissions that reflect children’s creativity, perspectives and hopes for the future of their school community.

    Terms and conditions

    The grant is intended for community-focused projects that benefit children, families and school communities. It is not intended for general operating expenses, debt repayment, salaries or activities primarily delivering commercial outcomes. Full terms and conditions apply.