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.
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: The Lasting Impact of Youth Encounter
For over 15 years, Youth Encounter has been walking alongside young people across Aotearoa, creating spaces where they can discover their value, ignite purpose, and build resilience. Founded by Mary…
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 has been chosen as a recipient by Craigs Investment Partners Christmas Giving Programme six years in a row to support men on their journey toward healing and independence.
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
The Karen Pensabene Fund was Omanu Beach Surf Lifesaving's first Acorn donor in 2019. Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving is named in Karen's fund, they receive significant yearly funding.
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…