Frequently asked questions


What is the difference between The Peter Rule Fund and the Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund?

  • The Peter Rule Fund is named for Peter Rule, whose estate led to the establishment of the Rule Foundation in 2008. The Peter Rule Fund is open year round, and accepts applications for amounts up to $5,000. Our trustees will meet once a quarter to assess all applications.

  • The Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund (RWLF) was established as part of reparations for those convicted prior to homosexual law reform. The RWLF has one round per year, generally June/July, and accepts applications from $5,000 – $150,000.


Do you fund research projects? 

Research has been funded before and we are open to doing so again. It will be important for applicants to demonstrate that the purpose and outcomes of the research will be of direct benefit to the Rainbow community and has ideally been requested by, or co-designed with a Rainbow community organisation.


Do you fund projects or organisations based outside of New Zealand?

We do not fund international applications.


Do you fund flights and accommodation for individuals (e.g. guest speakers)?

Applications for flights and accommodation will be considered by The Peter Rule Fund, however restrictions apply. Visit the Peter Rule Fund page to learn more. These will not be funded through the Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund.


Do you fund printing costs and/or signage (and other not so environmentally sustainable requests)?

Funding for printing costs and/or signage will be considered but applicants should be prepared to demonstrate awareness of the environmental impact of their project and ideally would outline in their application efforts they will take to mitigate or reduce any such impacts.


Do you fund applications with a non-Rainbow focus?

The Rule Foundation will only fund applications which align to its purpose and priorities – so non-rainbow focused applications will not be funded.


Do you fund operating (or other regular) costs?

Generally no, however, small or new groups that can prove a need for a small amount of operational funding that is difficult to source elsewhere, may apply.


How much funding can I apply for?

Each Fund has varying amounts avaliable. Please visit the page of the fund you are interested in to learn more.


How often can I apply?

Organisations can apply as often as they like – however previous grants made to organisations, and the purpose of those grants, will be taken into account when considering further grants.


What are the requirements to apply?

Please see requirements on the Apply Now page. Each of our funds may have additional criteria and priorities for funding.