Acorn Foundation Distributes Record $5.1M to Western Bay of Plenty
Thanks to the generosity of donors who have set up more than 500 donor funds, Acorn Foundation has gifted over $25 million since 2003 to hundreds of community organisations and scholarship programmes. In 2025 alone, the Western Bay of Plenty's local community foundation is proud to have distributed $5.1 million to the region, and to other areas important to Acorn donors – turning local generosity into lasting change.
This year marks a significant milestone, with distributions representing the largest annual contribution in Acorn's 22-year history, demonstrating the growing impact of endowment giving in the Western Bay of Plenty.
Acorn Foundation CEO, Lori Luke, says the record funding reflects both the incredible generosity of local donors and the increasing needs within the community.
"Our donors continue to amaze us with their commitment to creating lasting change. This $5.1 million investment in our region will ripple across the Western Bay of Plenty for years to come, supporting everything from vital community services to educational opportunities for our young people."
Through the latest Vital Update research report, our elderly community – particularly residents who are renters – were identified as vulnerable. Therefore, a key focus of this year's distributions has been supporting the elderly community through Acorn's Vital Impact Fund. Established in 2009 to address the region's biggest issues, the fund has now distributed to 45 local charities and community groups, demonstrating the power of collective giving.
This year, $22,673 from the Vital Impact Fund was split between eleven organisations working specifically with elderly residents: Age Concern Tauranga, The Stroke Foundation of New Zealand, Super Support Programme, Waihi Beach Community Centre Society (A Friends Place), Aphasia New Zealand, Abbeyfield Western Bay of Plenty, MenzShed Ōmokoroa, Menzshed Katikati, Tui Awhina Services, Army of Aunties Trust, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
Carole Parker, Chairperson of Abbeyfield WBOP, was thrilled to receive Acorn's support for their Katikati housing project. "This has helped us reach our final target of $280,000 we required for the build," says Carole.
"We are very appreciative of Acorn's support over the past six years whether it was advice Lori gave us in the first couple of years or the grants and donations we have received through Acorn. Not only has it helped us reach our funding goals but it has also given the committee a real boost and pushed us to work harder to raise the funding and undertake the tasks to build the house."
The Abbeyfield Katikati project, which will provide supported independent living for elderly residents, is on track for completion in October with an opening planned for November.
"We identified elderly support as a high-need area in our community, particularly as our population ages and families face increasing pressures," explains Jo Wilson, Acorn Foundation Scholarships and Community Engagement Specialist. "These organisations provide crucial services from companionship and practical support to specialised care for conditions like aphasia or strokes and much needed assistance for grandparents stepping into primary caregiving roles."
The Vital Impact Fund represents a unique approach to community giving, where donors can contribute to a collective fund that addresses the most pressing issues identified by Acorn's distributions committee and community research.
Acorn Foundation's model of endowment giving ensures that donations create perpetual impact. Donor funds are invested, and a portion of the investment returns are distributed annually to causes and organisations, meaning gifts continue giving year after year.
Campbell Higgins, Acorn Foundation Legacy Giving Manager, encourages locals to consider the lasting impact of including Acorn in their estate planning.
"With September being Wills Month, it's the perfect time to speak with us about leaving a gift that will celebrate the causes closest to your heart. Whether it's supporting elderly care, youth development, environmental protection, or any other cause, you value, we can help structure a gift that creates lasting change."
We recently sat down with Acorn donor Adrienne Coad to talk about her giving journey and the impact she’s been able to see first-hand.
“When I was talking to Margot right at the beginning, she said that you could put it in your will so the money goes through to Acorn or you can start funding while you’re still alive and make decisions about who you want to help. Since I’ve done it, I absolutely love the feeling of being able to see what my money is doing.” says Adrienne.
Her experience reflects what many donors value about giving through Acorn, the confidence that their gift is guided by a team who understands our community’s needs and works closely with local charities to ensure funding reaches where it can make the greatest long-term difference.
Since 2003, Acorn Foundation has partnered with more than 450 local charities, community organisations, and scholarship programmes across the Western Bay of Plenty. This impact is made possible by the many ways local people choose to give. From gifts in wills and living giving, to trusts resettlements, joining Giving Circles, Community Group Funds or supporting through Workplace Giving. Every contribution is carefully managed to ensure it meets the greatest needs in our community, now and into the future.
With funds under management continuing to grow, Acorn Foundation is uniquely placed to connect local generosity with the greatest needs in our region. Our close relationships with charities and deep understanding of community challenges mean we can ensure every dollar makes a lasting difference, helping the Western Bay of Plenty thrive for generations to come.