Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the funding had gone to the Red Cross to support immediate relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.
He said the contribution would help the Red Cross maintain emergency supply stocks and carry out impact assessments in affected areas.
"Typhoon Haiyan was one of the largest storms on record and has had a major impact on the Philippines - a country that has recently been hit by successive natural disasters," Mr McCully said.
"New Zealand will consider further support as the full extent of the damage becomes clear."
Authorities in the Philippines have confirmed 138 deaths due to the typhoon, which flattened buildings and knocked out infrastructure, but the estimated death toll could be closer to 1000.
A spokesman for New Zealand's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade said there were no reports that any of the 376 New Zealanders currently registered as being the Philippines had been killed or injured.
"All New Zealanders in areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan are advised to follow any instructions issued by the local authorities and keep their family in New Zealand informed of their well-being", the spokesman said.
"We also recommend registering with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on www.safetravel.govt.nz"
