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
Curiosity Abroad: Lessons from Acorns Trip to Canada
In May 2025, Acorn Foundation’s team travelled 12,000 km to meet three of Canada’s leading community foundations and attend the Community Foundations of Canada conference in Halifax. Their…
Western Bay Students Shine at the 2025 Dale Carnegie Youth Graduation
Twenty-two Western Bay Year 13 students crossed the stage at Tauranga’s Masonic Conference Centre after three intensive days of Dale Carnegie training, emerging with fresh confidence, sharper people…
Planting the first acorn: Edna Brown’s enduring legacy
How a quiet bequest from Tauranga resident Edna Brown became the very first Acorn Foundation fund, sparking more than $75 k in grants (and counting) for medical charities while her original gift keeps…