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SPEaR funding

Linkages funding

What is the Linkages funding programme?

The SPEaR Committee established the Linkages Funding Programme (Linkages) in 2003 in response to the mandate by Cabinet to "sponsor initiatives aimed at improving social policy research capability". It has an annual budget of approximately $160,000

It's objective is to facilitate cross-sector collaborative social policy research and evaluation that supports effective decision-making to improve the knowledge base and social outcomes for New Zealanders.

Key funding activities

  • Linking quality research and evaluation to policy and decision-making.
  • Linking researchers, evaluators and policymakers to capacity and capability building opportunities.
  • Linking emerging and established researchers, evaluators and policymakers across the private, public and academic sectors.


Types of funding available

The Social Science Research Award  is open to professionals and postgraduate students

The Social Science Capability Building Award  is open to any New Zealand or international expert who is sharing knowledge relevant to the social policy, research and evaluation sector. 

Who can apply for Linkages funding?

The Social Science Research Award  is open to professionals and postgraduate students

The Social Science Capability Building Award  is open to any New Zealand or international expert who is sharing knowledge relevant to the social policy, research and evaluation sector. 

When can you apply for Linkages funding?

The linkages funding programme is being reviewed in line with a broader review of SPEaR.  Round 21, which was scheduled for November 2009, is on hold pending the broader review.

New dates, when decided, will be posted here.