Everyday Western Bay of Plenty people can now get support to make their own meaningful difference in their community via a new fund being run by the Acorn Foundation.

The foundation has launched five Local Impact Funds – in Katikati, Kaituna, Tauranga Moana, Te Puke and Waihī Beach – to help individuals strengthen their neighbourhoods.

The community-focused funds are aimed at individuals, who can apply to gain funds for simple events and ideas that will make an impact at grassroots level, said Acorn Foundation community giving specialist Matty Nicholson.

“The funds, which will offer grants ranging up to $1500, are specifically aimed at helping individuals and informal groups bring their charitable ideas to life – the kind of community-building efforts that often fall through the cracks of traditional funding.”

Launch events

For those keen to find out how to bring their ideas to life, the Acorn Foundation is hosting launch events in February for each community that can apply to the Local Impact Funds.

The Waihī Beach launch at Te Ara Mātauranga (Waihi Beach Library) is February 11 at 11am; Katikati’s launch (a relaunch of Katikati Acorn Fund) is at Pātuki Digital Hub (next to Katikati library) on February 16 at 10.30am; Tauranga Moana’s launch is at Merivale Community Centre on February 18 at 10.30am; Te Puke’s launch is at Te Puke Public Library on February 24 at 11am; and for Kaituna – which takes in Pongakawa, Paengeroa, Pukehina and Maketu – the launch is at Maketu Community Centre on February 25 at 11am.

Nicholson said the events will be informal get togethers where locals can learn more about what the fund can support, meet members of their local Giving Committee, and find out how to apply for funding for their community project ideas over a light morning tea.

“These launch events are a great opportunity for members of the community to get together and learn more about the funding,” Nicholson said. “It’s also a chance for people to chat with us at Acorn about their ideas for their community – no matter how big or small.”

The ‘why’

Nicholson said the ‘why’ behind Local Impact Funds is simple – communities know what their needs are, and generosity is strongest when it is closest to home. “Donors have told us that they want to see their giving at work in the places they care about most. The place they call home.”

Nicholson said the funding is designed to be more accessible than typical community funding. While Acorn’s traditional funding – which continues to open each April – is limited to registered charities and incorporated societies due to Charity Commission regulations, these new funds can reach the volunteers and informal groups doing vital work in their communities thanks to Acorn’s partnership with SociaLink Tūhono Pāpori.

“Whether it’s a person wanting to organise a street barbecue, a group looking to beautify a local shared space, or a group creating spaces for young people to get together and hang out, these funds could make a difference in turning and idea into a reality,” Nicholson said.

Loneliness (

He said the timing of the funds couldn’t be better, with Vital Signs Tauranga research following the Covid-19 pandemic revealing that 36% of local residents are experiencing loneliness.

“This is a concerning indicator of social isolation that’s been felt across the Western Bay of Plenty.”

Nicholson said each fund will be guided by a voluntary Giving Committee of locals who understand their communities’ unique needs and priorities.

“The five funds across the Western Bay of Plenty have been made possible with the generous support of Acorn donors including an anonymous benefactor who left her estate to Acorn, anonymous donors in Katikati and Waihī Beach, and supporters such as David and Susan Campbell from Maketu.”

Apply! (sidehead)

Applications to the five Local Impact Funds open February 1 through Acorn’s Online Granting System and close March 14.

Community members with ideas are encouraged to attend their local launch event, email: matty@acornfoundation.org.nz, or visit the Acorn Foundation website at: www.acornfoundation.org.nz.