The Unlocking Curious Minds (UCM) Fund aims to encourage quality projects that reach and inspire a broader base of New Zealanders through initiatives that bring science and technology to audiences that have less opportunity to learn about and to engage with science and technology.
Applicants must meet all the eligibility criteria below for their proposal to be assessed. Applicants who don’t meet these criteria will be declined funding on eligibility grounds: The proposed activity or activities must take place in 1 or more New Zealand regions (including the Chatham Islands). Applications must be from an organisation that is a legal entity with an IRD number. Legal entities may include incorporated societies, registered charities, registered companies, and trusts. New Zealand Government departments (as defined in Schedule 2 of the Public Service Act 2020) are not eligible to apply for funding. Centres of Research Excellence (funded through the Tertiary Education Commission) are not eligible to apply for funding. Your proposal must not benefit a Russian state institution (including but not limited to support for Russian military or security activity) or an organisation outside government that may be perceived as contributing to the war effort. Applications must be made in our Investment Management System (IMS) – a secure online portal, within the application deadline, and comply with all formatting, content or other administrative requirements set out in this Call for Proposals. The terms and conditions of the Fund’s Funding Agreement will apply to the provision of funding agreed between the contracting organisation and us. By submitting a proposal, applicants (and their collaborators) are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Fund’s Funding Agreement. A sample agreement is available on the Fund’s webpages.