Funding and financial support for Adult and Community Education in Aotearoa New Zealand
Adult and Community Education (ACE) is supported through a range of funding sources, including government agencies, local authorities, community trusts and other organisations.
ACE Aotearoa provides information about funding available to the sector and administers funding opportunities that support professional development, sector capability and the celebration of adult learning.
This page outlines funding administered by ACE Aotearoa, funding available through the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), and other places to explore financial support.
Funding administered by ACE Aotearoa
ACE Aotearoa administers two funding opportunities that support adult and community education.
Professional Development Grants
Professional Development Grants support collaborative learning and professional development that strengthens the knowledge, skills and capability of people working and volunteering in the ACE sector.
The grants are intended to support professional learning that improves teaching practice, organisational capability and outcomes for adult learners.
Small Professional Development Grants provide up to $5,000 (GST exclusive) for eligible professional development activities.
Funding is intended to benefit the wider ACE sector and is generally not available for routine staff training or mandatory workplace requirements.
Explore Professional Development Grants
Adult Learners' Week He Tangata Mātauranga Fund
The Adult Learners' Week He Tangata Mātauranga Fund supports activities associated with celebrating adult learning and recognising the achievements of adult learners.
Adult Learners' Week provides opportunities for communities and organisations to highlight the value of lifelong learning, celebrate learners' achievements and encourage participation in adult education.
Explore Adult Learners' Week funding
Tertiary Education Commission funding for ACE provision
The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is a major government funder of Adult and Community Education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
TEC funding supports community-based learning, foundation skills and pathways into further education and training.
Funding is provided through different streams, depending on the type of organisation delivering ACE.
ACE in Communities
ACE in Communities funding supports eligible community-based organisations, including private training establishments, Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP) providers and community organisations.
Explore ACE in Communities funding
ACE in Tertiary Education Institutions
This funding supports eligible tertiary education institutions delivering community-based adult education programmes.
Explore ACE in Tertiary Education Institutions funding
ACE in Schools
ACE in Schools funding supports eligible schools providing informal, community-based adult education opportunities.
Explore ACE in Schools funding
For information about eligibility, funding conditions, applications and reporting requirements, visit the relevant TEC funding pages.
Government funding priorities
The Tertiary Education Strategy 2025–2030 sets out the Government's direction and priorities for tertiary education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The strategy identifies five priorities:
- Achievement – Supporting learners to gain skills and qualifications that contribute to careers and economic security.
- Economic Impact and Innovation – Strengthening relevant skills, research, productivity and innovation.
- Access and Participation – Enabling people from different backgrounds and regions to access education and training throughout their lives.
- Integration and Collaboration – Encouraging collaboration between education providers, employers, iwi and communities.
- International Education – Supporting international education and New Zealand's global connections.
These priorities help guide tertiary education policy and investment decisions.
Organisations receiving or seeking TEC funding should refer to the current strategy and TEC guidance when developing their plans.
Explore the Tertiary Education Strategy
Other funding sources
ACE organisations may also be able to access funding from other sources, depending on their activities, location and eligibility.
These can include:
- Local councils and regional authorities.
- Community trusts and philanthropic foundations.
- Government agencies supporting community development, employment, wellbeing or social services.
- Lotteries and community grant programmes.
- Partnerships with businesses and other organisations.
Funding criteria, application dates and available amounts vary between funders.
Generosity New Zealand
Generosity New Zealand provides searchable information about grants, scholarships and other funding opportunities.
Its funding search services can help organisations identify potential sources of support for community projects, education and organisational development.
Explore Generosity New Zealand
Where to get help
For ACE Aotearoa Professional Development Grants
Contact the ACE Aotearoa Grants Team for information about eligibility, applications and professional development funding.
Email: grants@aceaotearoa.org.nz
For TEC funding
Contact the Tertiary Education Commission or visit the relevant funding page for information about eligibility, applications and funding conditions.
For general ACE funding enquiries
Contact ACE Aotearoa at admin@aceaotearoa.org.nz.
Phone: +64 4 473 6625