Backed by a $150,000 commitment split evenly between both countries, the Moving Communities Fund provides one-off grants up to $10,000, as well as in-kind assistance like free travel, volunteer time, or promotional space.
It targets organisations that support youth and disadvantaged groups, promote equity and inclusion, respond to pressing local needs, and align with Kinetic’s broader social and environmental sustainability goals.
“This fund is about showing up for the people who show up for others,” Kinetic Group CEO Michael Sewards says.
“As a company that connects people every day, we see it as our responsibility — and privilege — to back those building stronger, more connected communities on both sides of the Tasman.”
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Since its launch in 2024, the fund has already supported 18 grassroots projects across regional and metropolitan Australia, including youth mentoring, food relief, and local transport initiatives, delivering practical support to communities that often fall outside the reach of traditional funding.
Kinetic managing director Australia Matthew Campbell says the company is eager to build on the momentum from the program’s inaugural year.
“We’ve had a fantastic first year with the Moving Communities Fund across Australia, supporting organisations across the country addressing very real community challenges,” he says.
“This second round builds on those relationships and allows us to go even deeper in backing the groups doing incredible work on the ground.
“Whether it’s $1,000 to help a regional footy team get to their next competition or larger support for a youth program facing tough times, we want to continue showing up for those who show up for their communities every day.”
For Kinetic, expanding the program to New Zealand represents a natural evolution of its community-focused mission.
“We’re proud of the great relationships we’ve built with community partners across New Zealand, and launching the Moving Communities Fund here feels like a natural next step in making an even bigger, more meaningful impact,” Kinetic managing director New Zealand Calum Haslop says.
“Through the Fund, we’re committed to supporting frontline solutions to real challenges facing New Zealand communities.
“We’re excited to hear from groups doing the work on the ground, from supporting a local not-for-profit tackling challenges like homelessness to helping local rugby teams get to their next competition.”
Applications for the Moving Communities Fund are now open at www.wearekinetic.com/community and close on July 31. Successful recipients will be announced in late August.
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