23 Years Later, $32 Million of Local Impact
Thanks to the generosity of more than 530+ donor funds, Acorn Foundation has gifted over $32 million since 2003 to hundreds of local community organisations and scholarship programmes.
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
Nurse Betty’s Story: How Giving Changes Lives
Meet Nurse Betty Owen, a remarkable Acorn Foundation donor whose lifetime of nursing, community service and generosity continues to change lives across Tauranga.
Nominations open for the 2027 Western Bay Community Awards
Nominations are open for the 2027 Western Bay Community Awards. Help us celebrate the volunteers, groups, organisations, events and projects making Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty a better…
Men Backing Men: Introducing the Bay Men’s Fund
The Bay Men’s Fund brings local men together to create greater community impact through collective giving. Powered by Acorn Foundation, members pool their contributions and help support organisations…