2026 Annual Small Grant Open for Applications

The Diabetes New Zealand Research Foundation’s (DNZRF) founding principle is to fund New Zealand research, that will improve the lives of New Zealanders living with diabetes.

DNZRF, with support from the New Zealand Society for the Study of Diabetes, is pleased to announce its annual Small Research Grant funding round. The annual total funding pool for these grants is $100,000. Individual grant applications can be made for funding up to the value of $30,000 (plus GST) per grant, although meritorious applications for research projects with greater funding requirements may be considered.

Applications that aim to achieve an immediate impact on the lives of New Zealanders living with diabetes and which have an equity and fairness lens, are likely to be viewed favorably.

Grants may be for ‘standalone’ studies, or feasibility studies aimed at supporting future large grant applications, or clearly defined sub studies within a larger study (the funder of the larger study must be declared). The grants may be used towards post graduate research, for example Masters, PhD or post-doctoral studies. Other applications will also be considered providing the research team has a proven track record of research, with an appropriate supporting host institution or organisation within New Zealand. 

Requirements:

• Applicants should nominate a host institution or organisation that can provide appropriate support for administration of the research grant.
• For student projects requiring supervision, the supervisor must be employed by a University, Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora, or a similar institution in Aotearoa New Zealand.

It is anticipated that projects aimed at having an immediate impact on the lives of New Zealanders living with diabetes and their whānau, may focus on the lived experience of diabetes. Diabetes New Zealand would be happy to be consulted on possible projects; their reach is national, and they have established relationships with Māori and Pacific Island communities.

Applications should be a maximum of four A4 pages, including up to 10 references, using a font size of 12 or greater and with single line spacing. Diagrams are encouraged, but they must be included in the four-page limit. Up to three letters of support, such as a support letter from the host institution and an ethics approval letter if available, may also be included. The Assessment Criteria can be viewed here for your information.

Please clearly outline the following:

• The title, background, aims, methods (including ethics applications), timeline and significance of the project. 
• Expected outputs and how the project will improve the lives of New Zealanders and their whānau, who live with diabetes.
• How this project will address equity and fairness.
• Anticipated budget.

o  Details of funder if part of a larger study include name, timeline and amount of funding received

o  Declaration of other funds for this project

o  Balance required and how you will cover this if the DNZRF small grant does not meet the balance

• Name of the host institution

Applications must be submitted to admin@dnzrf.org.nz by 4 October 2026. Applicants must also complete the Application Summary and attach to their application. 

All applications will be reviewed by a small committee selected by DNZRF, including lay members and members of NZSSD. Successful applicants will be expected to provide DNZRF with an interim (or final report if relevant) within a year of receiving funding, and a final report within six months of completing the project.

Key points to consider

• The grant is intended to assist directly with diabetes research. It may include consumables, equipment and/or a stipend or salary. It is not intended to supplement travel, conference expenses or manuscript publication costs.
• Successful applicants will be notified within 30 working days of the closing date.
• The lead researcher and supervisor must be a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident.
• DNZRF has a stated goal of promoting the value of diabetes research to people with diabetes and their whānau to encourage future research projects and donors. The final report (referred to above) will be published on the DNZRF website.
• DNZRF should be acknowledged as funders in all dissemination resulting from this research project, including presentations, reports and publications.

For further information about research grants please contact Jo Chapman at admin@dnzrf.org.nz