Taranaki Foundation is pleased to announce the allocation of over $160,000 in grants to 57 organisations and individuals across the region through its recent annual funding round. This includes more than $150,000 in grants to support initiatives in areas such as food insecurity, health and wellbeing, education, the environment, children and youth, family support, and social services, as well as $10,000 in scholarship grants to individuals.

Ainsley Luscombe, Chair of the Foundation’s Distribution Committee, says the grants reflect the generosity of donors and the important role these organisations play in supporting our local Taranaki community.

“Taranaki is home to many incredible organisations making a real difference in our community. We are honoured to provide funding on behalf of our donors, supporting them as they continue their important work.”

“Each year, the number of funding requests exceeds the available funds, and the decision-making process is always difficult. Our Distribution Committee carefully reviews every application to align with donor wishes and priority areas.”

Focus on Health and Wellness

Thanks to the growth in our funds, we were able to support several organisations providing health and wellness services – an area prioritised by many of our donors, including the Brookdell Fear Trust Fund and Isobel Bremer Medical Service Trust. With these funds, we provided grants to: Bowel Cancer Aotearoa Charitable Trust, Cancer Society of NZ Taranaki Centre Inc, Deaf Aotearoa (Taranaki Branch), Diabetes New Zealand, Families Overcoming Addictions, Hospice Taranaki Incorporated, New Zealand Endometriosis Foundation Charitable Trust, Taranaki Down Syndrome Association, Taranaki MS Society, ParaFed Taranaki, The Pinc and Steel Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation and The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand.

One of these was the Taranaki Down Syndrome Association who received a $5,000 grant to support its Jive Bunnies weekly dance programme. The programme helps participants overcome physical challenges, enjoy a creative outlet and social connection.

“The committee is absolutely thrilled with this grant. Through their support, the Taranaki Foundation are helping to keep our local people with Down syndrome and other disabilities physically and socially active, as well as involved in the wider community.” Keren Caryle, Committee, Taranaki Down Syndrome Association.

Supporting Conservation and Community

 

The Taranaki Kiwi Trust received a $4,000 grant to support its volunteer programme, essential to its kiwi conservation efforts.  With volunteers contributing to nearly 50% of the Trust’s workforce, this grant will help enhance support for those involved in tasks like trap box building, trap checking and kiwi monitoring.

“We are very grateful for the funding from Taranaki Foundation to assist with our volunteer programme. This grant enables us to better support our volunteers, who are the backbone of our work.”  Celine Filbee, Trust Manager, Taranaki Kiwi Trust.

Photo of TKT volunteer and Trustee Sue Hardwick Smith


Surf Taranaki’s Surfing for Life Programme received a $4,000 grant to help fund its work with ‘at risk’ youth through targeted surf workshops. To date, the programme has reached over 700 rangatahi, helping them build confidence and life skills through inspirational surfing workshops.

“The grant will be used to help students in need [and schools] access our programme. Five schools per week participate both at secondary and primary level.”Craig Williamson, CEO. Surfing Taranaki,

 

Photo of Surfing for Life with Marfell School.

Addressing Food Insecurity

This year, we allocated $49,094 in funding on behalf of The Tindall Foundation to support initiatives focused on family and whānau wellbeing. Given the rising cost of living, food security has become a major concern for many in our community. A significant portion of this funding—$19,000—was dedicated to alleviating food insecurity, benefitting organisations such as Waitara Foodbank Pataka Kai, New Plymouth Community Foodbank, On The House and Meat the Need.

Waitara Foodbank Pātaka Kai received a $5,000 donation to support its operations, including providing food parcels, offering free community cooking classes, and exploring the introduction of a community garden in Waitara.

“This generous donation will help cover overhead costs and it means a whole year of power costs completely paid for!! It takes a huge pressure off our finances, and we so appreciate it. Overhead costs for any non-profit can be overwhelming, and having funders support us with these means we can focus more on our vision and worry less about covering the costs to do it.”  Amy Olsen, Manager, Waitara Foodbank Pataka Kai.

Photo of the Waitara Foodbank Pataka Kai team

Taranaki Foundation is committed to growing the assets that will fund great local causes in the future.

Theresa Cayley, Taranaki Foundation Community Engagement Manager, shares: “As the Foundation’s endowment grows, so does our ability to support more local charities. As a community foundation, we prioritise our distributions to where they will have the greatest impact, aligning with our donors’ wishes.”

Since its launch in 2016, Taranaki Foundation has distributed over $1 million, with funds under management continuing to grow, ensuring lasting impact across the region.  At a time when we are seeing significant funding challenges for our not-for-sector, these grants can be crucial for helping organisations keep their services running—whether it’s keeping the lights on, stocking food shelves, or covering essential costs like electricity bills.

Taranaki Foundation’s next annual funding round will open September 2025.

For the full list of Taranaki Foundation 2024 funding recipients. Click here