Our story - Taranaki Foundation

Inspired by a global network of community foundations, a vision was born to establish a foundation for our Taranaki community.

Recognising the potential for substantial growth through prudent investment, the aim was to create a significant fund with a permanent capital base. This fund would generate annual income for charitable grants, providing sustained support to organisations contributing to Taranaki’s well-being and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

Founded by trustees Ken Horner and Paul Goldsmith in 2015, the Foundation was officially launched to the broader Taranaki community in 2016. Its purpose was to enable people to donate to their favourite local causes or contribute to a general fund, inspiring and facilitating giving for a thriving Taranaki now and for generations to come.

Launching a community foundation demanded significant time, resources and passion We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our original funding partners, supporters, trustees and staff for their generous contributions.

The Foundation was originally established with generous support from Founding Funding Partners: The Tindall Foundation and Toi Foundation (formerly TSB Community Trust) and Founding Supporters: Lysaght-Watt Trust, HTL Insurance, Little Rocket, The Marketing Tree, NZME, Jago Print and Graphics, Tucker Media, Halliwells, Ahu Ahu Beach Villas, Craigs Investment Partners, Billings Lawyers, Boon and BDO.

Our Funding Partners are now NP Partners/NPDC along with the Foundation Supporters.

Since 2015, we have made substantial progress towards supporting our community now and in the future by inspiring and enabling our region’s generosity. Our focus is on growing our endowment fund to provide more grants to voluntary groups and charities that make a significant difference to the well-being of the local community. Every gift, large or small, contributes to our story and the impact we have today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Taranaki Foundation is under the umbrella of Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand (CFANZ). We are proud to be one of 18 Community Foundations across Aotearoa New Zealand, dedicated to growing funds and long-term community impact.

Our Partners

Our Operational Supporters

As a charitable foundation we simply couldn’t do what we do without the generous support of amazing people, businesses and organisations throughout the community.

Operational Supporters | Targeted purely to the Foundations operations, operational supporters support the Foundation across our entire strategy and activities. This support ranges from cash donations to in-kind products and services which are often professional in nature. These supporters are usually local businesses and corporates. Recognition for Operational Supporters is listed at the bottom of our website and on various marketing collateral.
Individual & Family Operational Supporters | A special category to recognise support from Individuals and Families that opt to support the Foundations operations. Recognition for Individual & Family Operational Supporters is listed at the bottom of our website and on various marketing collateral.
Named or Community Funds | Giving is this category is directly to one of the 70+ Named & Community Funds within the Foundation. These are donor or organisation led funds. Recognition for this category is with the specific Named or Community Fund area and across any activity relating to that Fund.
Projects and Initiatives | Recognition for contributions to a specific Project or Initiative is made on the Project or Initiative and across any activity relating to it.