Equity Fund.

Graduate Women Canterbury (GWC) is thrilled to announce the availability of a new fund, offering up to $50,000 for projects aimed at achieving our vision of barrier-free education for all women. 

Canterbury-based groups are invited to apply for up to $50,000 to support initiatives that benefit women in the Canterbury community who face obstacles in pursuing further education, such as: 

  • Financial assistance needs 

  • Under-representation of women in specific fields 

  • Pay equity issues in certain roles 

  • Support with employment opportunities 

Funding Criteria.

Up to $50,000 is available and may be divided amongst multiple successful applicants. 

  • Projects must be connected to higher education or further education (tertiary level). This includes: 

    • Preparation for entering higher education or vocational training. 

    • Activities and studies undertaken during higher education or vocational training. 

    • Support for transitioning from education to employment. 

  • The funding round will open 1 September 2024 and close 28 October 2024. 

  • GWC should be the sole or main funder of the project. 

  • Individuals seeking personal support are not eligible to apply.

  • Institutes who already receive funding from Graduate Women Canterbury are not eligible to apply.  

  • Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch their project (in person or via video conferencing) to the GWC Awards Committee. 

  • The Pitch process will include: 

    • project milestones,  

    • progress reporting,  

    • evaluation of project outcomes 

    • how the project (and GWC’s funding support) will be promoted 

    •  tautoko, affirmations and endorsements from project supporters. 

Payment of funds 

  • Payments will be negotiated with successful recipients based on project requirements. Any funding not utilised must be returned.  

  • Projects will ideally be completed by December 2025, however projects with a longer duration will be considered on a case-by-case basis.   

  • We are here to guide you through the submission of your expression of interest, the Pitch process and to answer any questions you may have. Contact hazel@graduatewomencanterbury.nz  

Project Ideas.

Here are some project ideas to help get you started: 

  • Create mentorship initiatives that pair female students with professionals or peers in their field of interest to provide guidance, support, and academic assistance. 

  • Organise workshops focused on encouraging women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by providing hands-on learning experiences and exposure to female role models in these fields. 

  • Develop programmes that offer career counselling, resume writing workshops, interview preparation, and job placement services to help women transition from education to employment. 

  • Subsidies for childcare services for women pursuing higher education who have young children, helping them balance their educational goals with parenting responsibilities. 

  • Offer workshops on financial planning, budgeting, and managing student loans to empower women with the skills needed to navigate the financial aspects of their education. 

  • Advocate for policies that promote gender equity and remove systemic barriers. 

  • Host networking events that connect women with potential employers, industry leaders, and professional organisations to expand their professional networks and opportunities. 

  • Provide access to laptops, internet connectivity, and other necessary technology for women who lack the resources to participate fully in online or hybrid educational programmes. 

  • Develop programmes that support work-life balance, such as flexible class schedules, part-time study options, and remote learning opportunities for women who are balancing education with work or family commitments. 

Expression of Interest.

Fill out your project details and we will be in touch shortly.