The Kollective & Friends Giving Circle Makes Inaugural Grants to Three Local Organisations
In an inspiring display of collective philanthropy, The Kollective and Friends Giving Circle has awarded their first-ever grants, distributing $6,000 among three deserving community organisations in the Western Bay of Plenty.
The group awarded $2,000 each to UOKBRO, Army of Aunties, and Grief Support Services, all organisations making significant impacts in our community.
The giving circle members wanted to support groups that would make a tangible difference with a relatively small amount of funds.
“With so many great causes out there, we couldn’t pick just one, so we chose three! We appreciate the work that Scotty at UOKBRO does, breaking down the barriers for men to be able to talk to another bloke without fear, structure and prejudice; and we were really heartened by the aroha shown by Army of Aunties to their Kaumatua by offering hauora, kai and social activities. We also wanted to support something for youth that was valuable but doesn’t get a spotlight shone on it, so we also provided some money to Grief Support Services for youth counselling,” explained one of the TK and Friends Giving Circle members.
UOKBRO is a mobile, community-based social work service; their responsiveness and adaptability remain at the heart of what they do. In 2024, they directly supported 403 individuals across a wide range of locations and are committed to continuing to be a visible, mobile presence for well-being support across the region.
Army of Aunties are a community-driven entity that has established a solid foundation of service to elderly whānau but serves the wider community in general. Their greatest success has been to continue to provide and deliver vibrant, energetic, fun and informative weekly kaumatua/kuia health and wellbeing workshops within the wider rohe (area) of Tauranga Moana.
Grief Support Services offer subsidised counselling to individuals, children and families/whānau whose lives have been affected by grief and loss.
The TK and Friends Giving Circle exemplifies the growing trend of collective giving, where individuals combine their donations to create a larger impact. Members contribute monthly to the Acorn Foundation, and meet up once a year to nominate and vote on recipients.
"What makes Giving Circles special is not just the financial support they provide, but the connections formed between donors and community groups," noted Matt Nicholson, Corporate and Community Giving Specialist at Acorn. "Members get to see firsthand how their contributions make a difference right here in the Western Bay of Plenty."
Anyone interested in joining or creating a Giving Circle can contact matt@acornfoundation.org.nz to learn more about this rewarding approach to community philanthropy.