The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund supports events that commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and promote nation and community building. The fund aims to encourage a wider mix of communities to take part in Waitangi Day events.

The government is especially keen to support events organised by local government and/or communities in partnership with tangata whenua that invite wide community participation.

Events in local communities that commemorate Waitangi Day (6 February) get priority. The funding does not cover mid to long term Treaty of Waitangi resource and education projects, such as seminars, workshops and hui, or travel to Waitangi, Bay of Islands.

Local government and community organisations can apply for grants, which in the past have ranged from $200 to $10,000, with the average being $3,000. Applications for the 2013 Waitangi Day Fund opened on Monday 13 August 2012. 2013 applications close on Friday 28 September 2012 at 5pm. Applications can be accessed here: http://www.mch.govt.nz/funding-nz-culture/ministry-grants-awards/commemorating-waitangi-day-fund