20 Million Moments of Change
Acorn Foundation has reached a significant milestone, surpassing $20 million in total distributions to the Western Bay of Plenty community since its founding in 2003.
This achievement stems from the collective generosity of more than 700 local donors whose contributions have created a lasting legacy in the region.
Make a gift that keeps on giving
Unlike a one-off donation to a specific charity, gifts given through the Acorn Foundation’s Smarter Giving Model are invested in perpetuity, generating income that is distributed annually to community organisations in the Western Bay of Plenty. This means that a gift from a generous donor will continue to give back to causes close to their heart, for many years to come.
“I’ve always been community-minded so it seemed logical to set up a fund with Acorn. The fund keeps on earning interest, so you’re getting maximum value from one amount of money.”
– Ann Owen, Acorn donor
“The Acorn Foundation is a standout for its local focus on the special needs of our community, identifying individuals and truly worthwhile organisations that may deserve but otherwise never receive support. We’ve already seen some of the results of its work. Acorn will make this region a better place.”
– Gay & Murray Read-Smith, Acorn donors
“Giving through the Acorn Foundation is a wonderful way to help. Acorn ‘keeps its ear to the ground’ which we think is very important as we don’t really know who needs money the most. We have been happy in New Zealand and want to give something back.”
– Mary McGowan with husband, Roy, Acorn donors
Learn more about our Smarter Giving Model
Find out how to make your charitable giving go further.
News and updates
From Tiny Seed to Mighty Forest: 23 Years of Acorn Foundation Milestones
Explore 23 years of Acorn Foundation milestones and discover how $20 million in grants is reshaping the Western Bay of Plenty.
Celebrating Our 2025 Outward Bound Scholarship Receipents
On 10 June we celebrated 12 rangatahi awarded 2025 Outward Bound scholarships—an inspiring evening of youth achievement and donor generosity at The Kollective.
Acorn Foundation Scholars Shine at the University of Waikato
Acorn Foundation has honoured four exceptional students with its 2025 University of Waikato scholarships, supporting first-in-family, adult-learner and marine-science study paths.