$2 million fund launched for bold community ideas across Whanganui, Rangitīkei and Waimarino

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Whanganui Community Foundation has launched a one-off $2 million grant fund to back bold, community-led initiatives capable of creating lasting change across Whanganui, Rangitīkei and Waimarino. 

The significant investment is designed to fund big ideas — not incremental projects — that strengthen communities, reduce inequity and build long-term resilience for future generations. 

“This initiative is about more than funding projects — it’s about investing in the future of our region,” says Kathy Cunningham, Chair of Whanganui Community Foundation. 

We’re looking for ideas that are bold, community-driven, and capable of creating real, lasting change.

The Trustees have agreed to focus on what matters most, and we’re connecting with the community to learn where the need is greatest — and who is brave enough to bring forward an idea that will change lives for generations.” 

This one-off fund will prioritise initiatives that align with the Foundation’s four key priorities: 

Equity — supporting those with the greatest need 

Connection — strengthening community relationships and participation 

Bold — enabling long-term, intergenerational change 

Sustainable — building environmental and community resilience 

“We know our communities already hold the ideas and solutions,” Kathy says. “This fund is about backing those ideas at a scale that can truly shift outcomes.” 

Whanganui Community Foundation is seeking proposals that are: 

  • Community-led or co-designed 
  • Focused on meaningful, long-term impact 
  • Designed to strengthen local capability and leadership 
  • Built through partnerships and collaboration 

Unlike traditional grants, this fund is designed to support initiatives that: 

  • Address root causes, not just symptoms 
  • Create benefits that last well beyond the Foundation’s funding 
  • Build stronger, more resilient communities over time 

“This is a unique opportunity to think big,” says Marianne Cavanagh, Chief Executive of Whanganui Community Foundation. “We’re encouraging organisations and communities to bring forward ideas that could genuinely transform lives and strengthen our region for generations to come.” 

The Whanganui Community Foundation know that some of the biggest opportunities facing our region require more than traditional funding. This one-off fund is designed to support ambitious, community-led ideas that can create meaningful, long-term change. 

Expressions of interest for the $2 million fund open on 31 July 2026. 

Depending on the strength of proposals received, the Foundation may fund: 

  • One large, transformational initiative, or 
  • Several major initiatives delivering impact across the region 

The EOI is open to any organisation, even those that have received funding from Whanganui Community Foundation within the past twelve months. 

For more information, visit www.whanganuicommunityfoundation.org.nz. 

Or contact: info@whanganuicommunityfoundation.org.nz 

Ends 

For interviews, images or more information, please contact: 

Marianne Cavanagh, CEO — 021 128 1632 

Kathy Cunningham, Chair — 021 743 378 

Or email as above