Funding Policy

Who Can Apply?

The Acorn Foundation supports charities and community organisations whose operations are focused on (but not restricted to) the Western Bay of Plenty region. Acorn's current policy allows for consideration of funding of community groups that deliver in the following areas:

Arts (including music),  Education (only for Gifted and Talented), Medical/Health, Heritage, Community Services.

The Acorn Foundation will consider applications for project costs and also for general operating costs, including salaries/wages, rent and vehicle operating costs.

We will not fund individuals, groups that are not incorporated, sports, environmental groups, or capital items costing more than $1500. 

The Acorn Foundation also distributes funds on behalf of The Tindall Foundation, supporting Families and Social Services. The geographic boundaries for this funding are the Western Bay of Plenty and Eastern Bay of Plenty, including the districts around Whakatane, Opotiki and Kawerau, but not Rotorua, Minginui or Murupara. Priorities for receiving Tindall Foundation funds include community groups that deliver:

Community Services and Development, Literacy & Numeracy, Youth Development, Budgeting, Early Development, and Maori/Migrant/Refugee & Cross Cultural services.

Tindall Foundation funds cannot be granted for:

Health/Medical/Disabilities, Buildings, Business or Investment Capital,Capital Assets costing over $1500, Core Education/Scholarships, Individuals, Drama/Arts, Establishment of Charities, Loans and Endowment funds, Overseas Travel/Expenses, Religious or Political advocacy, Sport & Recreation, Retrospective claims, Venture Capital initiatives.

Funding limits

There is an upper limit of $10,000 per application.

 Acorn Foundation may consider applications for funding up to three years for one project.

When To Apply

An invitation to  make a preliminary application for funding will be advertised in local newspapers in May each year. The next funding round will begin in May 2011.

 If the preliminary application is accepted, you will be invited to make a Full Application.

Full applications must be received by 30 June

Applicants will be advised in writing in October

When successful organisations are advised of grant approvals they will be asked to certify within six months (and substantiate with receipts) that the funds have been spent for the purposes specified in the approval. 

If you are unsure whether you can apply to the Acorn Foundation for funding, please contact Margot McCool on

07 579 9839