Shaping the future of gut health in New Zealand
Grants of up to $50,000 for researchers working to change how we understand and treat the gut.
Every breakthrough in gut health starts with a question and someone bold enough to chase it.
At the Gut Foundation, we fund the New Zealand researchers asking those questions. Our grants are designed to get good science moving, so the ideas that could change how we prevent, understand and treat gut conditions get their start right here.
What we fund
Up to
$50,000
for one year
A Gut Foundation grant can fund a whole project, part of a larger piece of work, or support a research student or early-career researcher finding their feet. We are especially interested in work that will go on to attract larger funding down the track, so think of us as the push that gets things started.
When you apply, we will ask you to tell us how this grant would strengthen your chances of securing future support from larger funding agencies.
Our grants do not cover institutional overheads.
Our focus for 2026 – 2028
We fund broadly across gut health, but over the next three years we are especially keen to back research into:
Diet and the gut
How what we eat shapes our health
The gut microbiome
The vast, complex world living inside us
Gut health and mental health
The powerful connection between the two
If your work sits in one of these areas, we would really like to hear from you.
Who can apply
You can apply if:
Your research is carried out in New Zealand
You are affiliated with a recognised research institution, such as a university
Funding can be paid to your research office rather than to you directly
Priority goes to applicants who have not received Gut Foundation funding in the past three years.
Application process
The overview
A short online form covering who you are, a summary of your project, and a quick conflict of interest declaration. If your proposal is a strong fit, we will invite you to Stage Two.
The full proposal
Shortlisted applicants submit a full research proposal of up to 11 pages. We will send you the link and everything you need to put it together.
What we ask in return
As a national charity, sharing the research we fund is a big part of what we do. If your application is successful, we will ask you to work with us to help publicise your research, and to provide a short report at the end of the grant period on what it achieved.