CLNZ Contestable Fund Grants

The CLNZ Contestable Fund Grants support strategic projects that demonstrate growth in the Aotearoa New Zealand publishing sector. In 2025, up to $75,000 is available to fund projects with clearly defined and measurable outcomes. The Cultural Fund derives its revenue from a 2% share of domestic licensing income and from overseas revenue that is non-title specific. The fund invests in people and projects that protect writers and publishers' ability to earn revenue from their works, support the creation and production of new works and assist the commercial success of New Zealand works, and grow the number of works created and skills in the industry. Successful projects have clearly defined outcomes that align with the Cultural Fund's objectives. This includes projects that develop professional skills of writers (including those who write for educational audiences), seek to grow export markets for New Zealand published content, demonstrate innovation in creation and distribution of published content, promote diverse content that encourages Māori, Pacific Peoples and other minority and ethnic groups, and use online platforms to enhance the profile of New Zealand publishing both domestically and internationally. Other projects demonstrating positive impact on the New Zealand writing and publishing industry that meet Cultural Fund objectives are also considered. The amount applicants apply for is up to them, with the number of successful recipients varying each year depending on the individual merits of applications received. The fund aims to make a meaningful contribution to the development and growth of New Zealand's publishing sector and literary culture.