The Government has approved a third and final round of the Survivor Support and Recognition Fund (SSRF). The fund supports community-led services and initiatives for survivors of abuse and neglect in care
This $820,000 contestable fund will be available to non-government organisations and community groups that directly support survivors of abuse in care,” says Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford.
Applications are expected to open in February 2027.
The Department of Internal Affairs' Community Operations team will again administer the fund.
“Registered charities can apply for funding for 2027 initiatives that support healing, remembrance, community connection, survivor support, education and awareness. This includes National Day of Reflection activities,” says Ms Stanford.
“This funding will help organisations continue their survivor-focused services and initiatives while they explore more sustainable funding options.”
More information about eligibility and criteria will be available when applications open early next year.
The SSRF began in early 2025 in response to recommendations from the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry. It supports survivor-focused healing, advocacy, awareness raising and community capability building.
“Community organisations are important in supporting survivors, building connections and promoting healing,” says Ms Stanford.
The first two SSRF rounds provided $4.2 million to 68 non-government organisations and community groups. The money supported survivor-focused initiatives, including peer support, education workshops, counselling, therapy and other services. It also supported seven local authorities to memorialise and care for unmarked graves.
Notes to editors:
- The SSRF responds to these Royal Commission recommendations in the Whanaketia report:
- Recommendation 19: The Government should appoint and fund an independent advisory group to investigate possible unmarked graves and urupā at former psychiatric and psychopaedic hospitals, social welfare institutions and other care sites.
- Recommendation 20: The Government and faith-based institutions should jointly create a contestable fund for projects that support community healing from the effects of abuse and neglect in care.
- The first SSRF round was released in February 2025. It was a non-contestable fund of $2 million. About $1.3 million went to 26 non-government organisations and the Rangitikei District Council. The remaining $700,000 was carried over to the next round.
- The second SSRF round was released in November 2025. It was a contestable fund of $2.9 million. Funding went to 42 non-government organisations and community groups, and six local authorities.