22 Years Later, $25 Million of Local Impact
Thanks to the generosity of more than 500+ donor funds, Acorn Foundation has gifted over $25 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
Student Volunteer Army Steps Up After Waihi Beach Flooding
After severe flooding in Waihi Beach this January, a team of Student Volunteer Army members from Waikato University responded with determination and care, helping local businesses clear out debris and…
216 Volunteers, 5,690 Meals: The Rapid Relief Team in Action
On 22 January 2026, New Zealand Police requested urgent catering support for the Mount Maunganui landslide response. Rapid Relief Team mobilised within hours and remained onsite through to 1 February,…
BOP Rural Support Trust Supporting Western Bay Communities After Severe Weather Event
This page highlights the role of the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust in supporting rural and wider Western Bay communities reeling from the severe January weather event. It outlines how the Trust…