Strengthening capability across Adult and Community Education
Professional Development (PD) Grants support collaborative professional learning that strengthens capability across the Adult and Community Education (ACE) sector.
The grants are intended to improve the knowledge, skills and effectiveness of educators, providers and others who support adult learning.
Small PD Grants provide up to NZ$5,000 (GST exclusive) for a limited series of workshops or a one-off professional development activity.
Applications close: 5:00 pm, 31 September 2026
Download the Application Form
Download the Information Guide
Contact the Grants Team
Start here
What is this grant trying to achieve?
The purpose of this grant is to strengthen capability across the Adult and Community Education (ACE) sector.
It is not intended to fund training that organisations are normally responsible for providing to their employees.
A simple way to think about it is:
Does this activity strengthen Adult and Community Education, or does it simply meet an employer's responsibility to train staff?
If the activity is primarily an employment or compliance requirement, it is unlikely to be eligible.
Is your idea likely to fit?
You may be eligible if you can answer Yes to all of the following questions.
About your organisation
□ We are a charitable, non-profit organisation or community group.
□ We provide or support Adult and Community Education.
□ We operate within the Adult and Community Education sector.
About our professional development
□ The activity will improve the capability of educators, staff or volunteers who provide or support Adult and Community Education.
□ The learning will improve outcomes for Adult and Community Education learners.
□ The activity will help reduce barriers for Māori learners, Pacific learners, disabled learners or learners with additional learning support needs.
□ At least two providers, community groups or regional offices will actively participate.
□ The activity can be completed within twelve months.
Is this professional development?
Professional development means learning that increases the capability, knowledge and effectiveness of people providing or supporting Adult and Community Education.
Professional development focuses on improving practice.
It is different from staff training that organisations are expected to provide as part of employment.
| This grant is intended for | This grant is generally not intended for |
|---|---|
| Inclusive teaching workshops | First aid training |
| Improving educator capability | Health and safety training |
| Collaborative professional learning | Staff induction |
| Culturally responsive teaching | Food safety certification |
| Digital teaching capability | Compliance training |
| Assessment and feedback practice | Mandatory refresher training |
| Leadership development that strengthens ACE practice | Qualifications required as part of employment |
| Collaborative planning between providers | Core organisational training |
Why aren't these activities eligible?
Some professional learning is the responsibility of the employer rather than the purpose of this grant.
For example:
First aid training
First aid is important, but organisations are generally expected to fund this themselves as part of employing staff.
Health and safety training
Training required to meet workplace obligations is considered part of normal organisational responsibilities.
Staff induction
Introducing new staff to your organisation is an employment responsibility rather than sector capability development.
Compliance training
Training required by legislation or organisational policy is generally not eligible.
Common questions
Can one organisation apply?
One organisation may lead the application, but the professional development must actively involve at least one other provider, community group or regional office.
Can learners attend?
Learners may contribute to the activity, but the primary purpose must be improving educator capability rather than delivering education directly to learners.
Can we pay a facilitator?
Yes.
Reasonable facilitator fees may be included where they are directly related to the professional development activity.
Can consultants apply?
No.
Consultants may deliver approved professional development, but consultants and profit-making businesses are not eligible applicants.
What if I'm unsure?
If you're not sure whether your idea fits the purpose of the grant, please contact us before completing an application.
Many successful applicants discuss their ideas with us before applying.
Click here for guidance on preparing a strong PD Grant application.
Email: grants@aceaotearoa.org.nz
Phone: 04 473 6625