Recipient Stories
Since Acorn began in 2003, our donors have helped us distribute over $25M 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.
Fijian Indian Youth Advocate Wins Gary Ware Legacy Award
A young community leader with a passion for human rights and cultural storytelling has been named the 2025 recipient of the Gary Ware Legacy Award. Meet Dylan Chand and learn more about the Girmitiya…
The Impact of Local Donors at Rainbow Youth
Rainbow Youth is a place where rangatahi can simply be themselves, without judgement, without pressure, and without having to explain who they are. Supported this year through the generosity of donors…
A Legacy of Love: Kathy Landsman’s Gift Helps Ruby Find Her Best Friend
Discover how Kathleen Landsman’s gift through the Acorn Foundation is helping Assistance Dogs NZ Trust change lives. Her legacy supported Ruby, a six-year-old from the Bay of Plenty, who found…
Living Life Wide Open: Youth Encounter’s Lasting Impact | Acorn Foundation
Discover how Acorn Foundation funding helps Youth Encounter empower young people to overcome challenges, build resilience, and live life wide open.
BirdWatch & Biowool: Cashmore Scholar Turns Kiwi Ideas into Impact
Massey design student Toby McGuffie turns strong wool into reusable panels and creates BirdWatch to track native birds, both made possible by a Cashmore Family Scholarship.
Tauranga Community Foodbank
"We have received total funding of more than $198,000 during our relationship with Acorn. In today's market, that would provide more than 14,000 people with four days of food or 168,000 meals.”
Takitimu House: Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness
Takitimu House offers shelter and wrap-around support for homeless men in Tauranga Moana, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.
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.
Omanu Surf Lifesaving Club: Youth Development
Discover how Acorn Foundation’s funding supports Omanu Surf Lifesaving Club in running vital lifeguard, youth, and community programmes at Omanu Beach.