About the Pop-up Play Fund

To celebrate Play Week (19-25 October 2026), we have launched this pop up play fund to support it. Its a quick, opportunity to help bring fun, inclusive, and creative play experiences to life in your community at a low cost.

Whether it's a wild backyard adventure, a neighbourhood play activation, or a relaxed creative space, if it gets tamariki and/or rangatahi playing, connecting, and having fun, we'd love to hear about it!

This fund is designed to support simple, accessible Play Week activities that encourage communities to embrace play, strengthen connections, and keep the play spirit alive long after Play Week has ended.

How much can I apply for?

There is a $1,500 cap, meaning an organisation can apply for up to $1,500

All applications will be assessed by an external panel that will include community members and Sport Northland staff. ​​​​​​​

Pop-up Play Funding Dates

Opening Date - Monday, 14 September 2026 

Closing Date - Monday, 28 September 2026

Time of closure - Midnight

This fund is only a pop up/one off fund for Play Week 2026

If you have any questions or have finished your project and are ready to submit your final report, please email us on funding@sportnorth.co.nz and the team will happily answer any questions or send you your online reporting form.