Frequently Asked Questions

 FAQs

  • We support people experiencing mental health or addiction issues who cannot afford to access professional help and lack alternative services to meet their needs. We prioritise individuals who have not yet been able to get an assessment or support. We achieve this in three ways:

    1. Helping individuals with the costs of accessing assessments or treatment.

    2. Contributing funds to existing community organisations to support their work.

    3. Funding new programs for individuals facing barriers to access.

  • No. We focus on early, practical, and community-based mental health and addiction support for those who cannot afford it. We do not replace publicly funded specialist services, but offer flexible assistance for those who miss out on early support.

  • “Early support” refers to assistance that helps people before their difficulties become acute or require more intensive specialist care and secondary mental health services. Often this will be accessing help for the first time or for a new issue. 

  • No. We understand that effective work does not always fit neatly into one category. A proposal may strengthen an existing service, support individuals, or test a new approach simultaneously. Our priorities are intended as a guide, rather than a rigid checklist.

  • New Zealand data shows LGBTQIA+ people face much higher rates of mental health and addiction struggles, bullying, and homelessness due to historical gaps in support. The Foundation provides targeted funding to ensure equitable access to care, directly fulfilling the wishes of our benefactor, Spencer, who faced these same challenges. The criteria for funding is the same across all communities.

  • Yes, The Foundation is a registered charitable trust. The number is: CC59277.

  • All applicants are evaluated using the same standard criteria. To drive targeted impact, our funding model strategically aims for a 50% allocation to the general community and 50% to rainbow communities.

  • Please contact us using the ‘contact’ form and we will get  in touch with you to find a way to help.

 FAQs for individuals

  • No. We do not provide direct financial assistance to individuals. However, we have made it quick and easy for a registered or certified health professional (or similar) to apply for funding on your behalf. 

  • Please ask them to fill out and submit our Application Form which can be accessed here or on our Funding page. They can also Contact us directly or email us at admin@spencermaxwellfoundation.org.nz.

  • These are qualified professionals such as a GP, practice nurse, certified counsellor, psychiatrist, or CBT therapist.

  • Help with costs varies case by case and is time-limited. Our goal is to help as many people as possible. Grants usually range from $50 through to $2,000, in most situations, depending on the specific help required. Your healthcare professional can discuss your particular needs directly with our team.

 FAQs for groups & organisations

  • Yes. We recognise that many established services are already doing valuable work but may need additional funding to sustain, extend, or improve what they offer. We have a funding cap of up to $25,000 per organisation.

  • Yes. We are open to thoughtful innovation, new ideas, pilot programmes, partnerships, and community-led programmes.

  • Yes. We have a funding cap of up to $25,000 per organisation to ensure our grants support a wide variety of community causes.

 Application process FAQs

  • An application should clearly explain the need being addressed, who will benefit, what support will be provided, and who is going to provide it. Most importantly, it should clearly detail how the funding will make a practical difference. 

  • Yes! We welcome early discussions from registered health professionals. Please email us at admin@spencermaxwellfoundation.org.nz or use our Contact Us form. We welcome informal early kōrero. 


  • We aim to approve individual applications for a GP assessment within one week . It may take a bit longer if the application is for a longer period of care.

  • We pay the service provider directly and within 14 days of receiving their invoice.