Introduction – Overview of the Rule Foundation
The Rule Foundation is a dedicated charitable trust in Aotearoa New Zealand that provides grant funding and support for rainbow, takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ communities. Registered as a charity under the Charities Act 2005 (Charity Number CC39280), the Rule Foundation focuses on advancing the health, wellbeing, visibility, and inclusion of sexual and gender diverse people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer communities across New Zealand.
History and Background
Establishment and Origins
The Rule Foundation was established in 2008 through a trust deed to administer the philanthropic funds left in the estate of Peter Rule. The initial purpose of the foundation was to provide financial support and visibility for rainbow and LGBTI communities, funding community activities, wellbeing initiatives, education, and research.
Growth and Legacy Funds
Over time, the foundation expanded its portfolio of funding mechanisms to include new legacy funds, such as the Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund created in 2019 through a $1 million endowment from the New Zealand Government. This fund was established in recognition of men who were historically convicted for consensual homosexual activities prior to law reform and aims to improve mental health outcomes for current and future generations of rainbow and gender diverse communities.
Mission and Purpose
Core Mission
The Rule Foundation’s core mission is to support the wellbeing, health, and visibility of rainbow, takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ communities throughout New Zealand. The foundation achieves this by distributing grants to community groups, organisations, researchers, and initiatives that promote inclusive wellbeing, community empowerment, education, visibility, and cultural resilience.
Purpose-Driven Funding
- Advance mental health and wellbeing outcomes for rainbow communities
- Support community visibility through events, arts, and advocacy
- Fund research and education around issues affecting LGBTQIA+ lives
- Engage and empower diverse gender and sexual identities, especially rangatahi (young people) and marginalised groups
Governance and Structure
- Charity Status and Oversight
- The Rule Foundation is governed by a board of trustees who provide strategic direction, oversee grant allocation, and ensure alignment with the foundation’s charitable objectives. As a registered charity in New Zealand, the foundation adheres to governance standards mandated by the Charities Services and submits annual returns and reports on its activities.
- Community-Led Decision-Making
- Funding decisions are made by trustees — often with the advice of community specialists — and are aimed at ensuring funds are used responsibly and effectively for the benefit of rainbow and gender diverse communities. The foundation also partners with organisations like Foundation North to extend funding reach.
Funding and Grants
The Rule Foundation administers multiple funding streams that support community wellbeing, advocacy, culture, research, and social inclusion.
Peter Rule Fund
- Origin: Established from the estate of Peter Rule
- Purpose: Grants for projects that support rainbow, takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ community needs, including education, advocacy, and visibility initiatives
- Grant Size: Typically up to $5,000 per project
- Application: Open year-round, with quarterly assessment rounds by trustees
Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund (RWLF)
- Established: 2019 with government endowment
- Focus: Improve mental health outcomes for rainbow communities, especially young people
- Grant Size: Usually $5,000–$10,000+ per project with annual deadlines
- Examples: Funding for community-led events, digital support, resource development, and wellbeing training
Foundation North Fund (FNxRF)
In partnership with Foundation North, the Rule Foundation now administers a fund specifically targeting takatāpui, MVPFAFF+, and rainbow communities in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Te Tai Tokerau (Northland).
- Small Grants: Up to $10,000
- Larger Projects: Up to $70,000
- Eligibility: Charitable, not-for-profit groups with community impact projects
Application Process
Prospective applicants based in Aotearoa New Zealand can apply for funding through the Rule Foundation’s online platform. Grants support project-based activities which are led by, and primarily benefit, rainbow and gender diverse people.
Major Programs and Initiatives
- Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund Initiatives
- The Rainbow Wellbeing Legacy Fund supports projects that promote mental wellbeing, community engagement, and capacity building in rainbow communities. Past initiatives include community advocacy campaigns, training programmes, creative arts projects, and resource development designed to uplift wellbeing and inclusion.
- Foundation North Partnership
- The collaborative fund with Foundation North expands access to larger grant opportunities for relatively under-funded rainbow and takatāpui groups in Auckland and Northland, including arts, sports, culture, education, and advocacy programmes.
- Community Impact and Visibility
- Grantees supported by the Rule Foundation include organisations working on social events, mental health projects, inclusive sports clubs, and culturally rooted arts initiatives that enhance visibility and support for gender and sexual diverse communities.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Supporting Grassroots Organisations
Over the years, the Rule Foundation has helped fund diverse projects such as:
- Community arts and storytelling platforms
- Mental health and wellbeing campaigns
- Education, advocacy, and public visibility events
- Inclusive sporting and social activities tailored to rainbow and takatāpui communities
Tangible Outcomes
Grants of up to $70,000 through partnered funds have enabled community-focused initiatives that foster inclusion, strengthen wellbeing support, and increase participation and leadership among rainbow, takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ individuals throughout New Zealand.
Conclusion – A Catalyst for Community Wellbeing
The Rule Foundation plays a vital role in uplifting rainbow, takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ communities in Aotearoa New Zealand through targeted grant funding, strategic partnerships, and community-led initiatives. From small, grassroots rainbow wellbeing projects to larger, region-specific community programmes, the foundation supports a spectrum of activities that promote inclusion, visibility, wellbeing, and empowerment. Its commitment to addressing mental health disparities, enhancing cultural recognition, and fostering connection makes it an important philanthropic force in New Zealand’s social landscape.
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