Got a fabulous idea for Auckland Pride 2027? 🏳️🌈✨ There’s still time to turn that rainbow dream into reality, with grants of up to $3,000 available for community-led projects — but applications close at 11.59 pm TONIGHT!
Calling all rainbow creatives, community organisers and fabulous collectives!
Auckland Pride is giving takatāpui and rainbow communities one final opportunity to apply for funding through its Pride Empowerment 2027 programme.
Delivered in partnership with the Rule Foundation, the initiative offers grants of up to $3,000 to help community groups, collectives and artist-run spaces bring their ideas to life during February’s Auckland Pride Festival.
Whether you’re dreaming of a community gathering, an inspiring performance, a creative workshop or something completely unexpected, this could be the support you need to make it happen.
But you’ll need to move quickly!
Expressions of interest close at 11.59pm on Sunday 8 November 2026.
Turning Rainbow Ideas Into Reality
Pride Empowerment is designed to support projects created by and for Aotearoa’s diverse takatāpui and rainbow communities.
The initiative recognises the importance of community-led events, particularly those that create opportunities for connection, creativity and belonging.
Following a more informal funding partnership during Auckland Pride 2026, the Rule Foundation and Auckland Pride have joined forces to relaunch Pride Empowerment through a formal partnership for the 2027 festival.
The programme aims to help grassroots groups bring their ideas to life, even when resources are limited.
More Than Just A $3,000 Grant
Successful applicants won’t just receive financial support.
The programme also offers publicity and marketing assistance to help promote their events to Auckland Pride audiences.
Groups needing a suitable venue can receive help connecting with Auckland Council Proud Centres and other partner spaces.
The support available includes:
- Grants of up to $3,000 towards an eligible festival project.
- Publicity and marketing support to help reach rainbow audiences.
- Venue connections through Proud Centres and Auckland Pride’s partners.
The funding is specifically aimed at collectives, community groups and artist-run spaces, with applicants encouraged to read the programme’s information pack before applying.
Individual artists looking to take part should check the eligibility requirements and whether they can apply through a group or supporting organisation.
Two More Auckland Pride Deadlines To Remember
Even if you miss tonight’s Pride Empowerment funding deadline, there’s still time to register an event for the wider Auckland Pride Festival.
The festival operates an open-access model, welcoming artists, performers, producers and community organisers who support its kaupapa.
There are two important registration deadlines ahead:
Sunday 22 November 2026: Final day to register an event for inclusion in the official printed programme.
Friday 15 January 2027: Final deadline to register an event for inclusion in the online festival programme.
These are separate from tonight’s funding deadline, so submitting an expression of interest for a grant should not be confused with registering an event for the festival itself.
Auckland Pride 2027 will run throughout February, bringing another month of LGBTQ+ arts, culture, performances, community gatherings and celebration to Tāmaki Makaurau.
How To Apply Before Tonight’s Deadline
Ready to give your idea a shot?
Head to Auckland Pride’s official registration hub, read the Pride Empowerment information pack and complete the expression-of-interest form before 11.59 pm tonight, Sunday 8 November.
