Recipient Stories
Since Acorn began in 2003, our donors have helped us distribute over $19.5M to hundreds of charitable organisations working in the Western Bay of Plenty and scholarship and award winners. Read about some of the groups and individuals that have received Acorn funding below.
University of Waikato Tauranga campus Campus Scholarships 2025
On Thursday 14 March, students from the University of Waikato Tauranga campus celebrated their awards with their friends and family.
Waipuna Hospice: Acorn's Largest Recipient
Waipuna Hospice has received $1,034,970 from 20 Acorn donors over the past 17 years.
Owens Scholarships 2024
Mahé shared his grandparents' belief that a good education is important. However, whilst academic ability is important, Bob and Joy Owens were particularly interested in applicants who desire to…
Canteen: CanSurf Waihi Beach
“The financial support we receive from the Roy and Mary McGowan Fund helps Canteen Aotearoa continue to provide its vital support services for rangatahi impacted by cancer."
First FAME Year 13 Performing Arts Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations to Michael van Lieshout, head prefect at Tauranga Boys’ College and talented guitarist.
SPELD NZ: Dyslexia Learning Journey
Emma Pollard uses the specialised skills she learned through SPELD New Zealand to support her dyslexic daughter and others like her.
Te Hā Ora Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ: Vaping Education Workshops
The doubling of daily vaping among teenagers is nothing short of a public health crisis that demands urgent attention. The Acorn Foundation will fund Te Hā Ora’s ability to offer 24 workshops to…
Outward Bound Scholarships 2024
14 students celebrated winning the 2024 Outward Bound Scholarship and will attend the Tangaroa Watch programme at Anakiwa in the South Island.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People: Rina – Tauranga’s Newest Hearing Dog
Rina will be the hard-working companion of local Tauranga woman Rachel, who is profoundly deaf without her hearing aids, and feels vulnerable when she is home alone.