Whanganui Community Foundation – $2 Million Transformational Fund

Expression of Interest at 31 July 2026

The Whanganui Community Foundation is inviting Expressions of Interest for a significant new and one-off $2 million investment fund designed to support bold, community-led initiatives across Whanganui, Rangitīkei and Waimarino.

This fund is about thinking big.

We are looking for ideas and opportunities that would create meaningful, long-term change across our regions – initiatives that strengthen communities, reduce inequities, build resilience, and improve outcomes for future generations.

At this stage, we are seeking ideas and concepts rather than fully developed applications. We want to hear from organisations, groups, collaborations, iwi, and community leaders who have ambitious ideas with the potential to make a lasting difference.

There are currently no fixed funding limits for up to two million dollars. Depending on the strength and scale of proposals received, the Foundation may choose to support:

One or two large transformational initiatives, or
Several major projects delivering impact across the region

Previous recipients of Whanganui Community Foundation grants are welcome to apply, including organisations that have received funding within the last 12 months.

We encourage collaborative, community-led thinking and welcome both established initiatives and emerging ideas with strong transformational potential.

Our Priorities

Projects should align with one or more of the Foundation’s strategic priorities:

Equity – supporting those with the greatest need
Connection – strengthening participation, belonging and community wellbeing
Bold – creating transformational, intergenerational change
Sustainable – building environmental, social and economic resilience

The Whanganui Community Foundation Trustees 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.

Expression of Interest Questions

1. What is your idea or opportunity? (400 words)

Provide a brief summary of the initiative, including the issue or opportunity it seeks to address.

2. What long-term change could this create? (300)

Tell us about the impact you hope to achieve and why this matters for our region and future generations.

3. Who will benefit most from this initiative? 250)

Describe the communities, groups, or places your initiative is intended to support, particularly those experiencing disadvantage or inequity.

4. How is the community involved? (250)

Explain how the idea has been shaped by community voices, partnerships, collaboration, or lived experience. Or, if you have yet to involve the community, what is your plan to do so?

5. Why is this idea bold, sustainable, or transformational? (300)

Tell us what makes this initiative courageous, innovative, or different from existing approaches. Explain how it has the potential to create lasting change for communities beyond the initial funding period.

Note: As this Expression of Interest sits outside our standard funding framework the requirement to expend funding within 12 months does not necessarily apply.

6. What level of investment do you believe would be needed? (250)

At this stage, indicative figures are welcome only. Please share the scale of investment you believe would be required and any potential co-investment or partnerships that may support the initiative.

Expressions of Interest are intended to help the Foundation understand the opportunities and aspirations within our region before moving to the next stage of the process.

We encourage applicants to think creatively, collaboratively, and ambitiously!
Please send your expressions of interest by 30 September 2026 to: info@whanganuicommunityfoundation.org.nz

Frequently Asked Questions

APPLY NOW

Timeframes

Any shortlisted expression of interest will then be asked to submit a full proposal including a detailed budget by 30 November.

The final applicants will then present to the Board of Trustees by the end of January 2027, and it is expected that a decision will be made by mid-March 2027.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the $2 Million Transformational Fund?

The Whanganui Community Foundation’s $2 Million Transformational Fund is a one-off funding opportunity designed to support bold, community-led initiatives that have the potential to create lasting change across Whanganui, Rangitīkei and Waimarino. We’re looking for ideas that address significant community challenges and create benefits for future generations.

Who can apply?

Expressions of Interest are welcome from:
• Registered charities
• Incorporated societies
• Trusts
• Iwi and hapū
• Marae
• Social enterprises
• Community organisations
• Businesses
• Schools
• Collaborative partnerships and consortiums
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, please get in touch with us before applying.

Can individuals apply?

This fund is intended for organisations, groups and collaborations. If you have a transformational idea but are not part of an organisation, we encourage you to contact us to discuss whether there may be a suitable way to progress your idea.

Can we apply if we’ve already received funding from the Foundation?

Yes! Organisations that have received funding from the Whanganui Community Foundation within the past 12 months are welcome to apply. Previous funding will not disadvantage your application.

Do we need to have a fully developed project?

No. The Expression of Interest (EOI) stage is designed to capture ideas and concepts. You do not need to have a detailed business case, project plan or final budget at this stage. We’re interested in understanding your vision, the community need, and the long-term impact your idea could create.

What types of initiatives are you looking for?

We’re looking for initiatives that:
• Create meaningful, long-term community impact.
• Address the root causes of community challenges.
• Are community-led or community-informed.
• Build partnerships and collaboration.
• Strengthen local leadership and capability.
• Align with one or more of our strategic priorities: Equity, Connection, Bold and Sustainable.

How much funding can we apply for?

There is no minimum or maximum funding amount at the Expression of Interest stage (Noting that the total fund available is $2million). The Foundation may decide to fund one large initiative, several major initiatives, or another combination depending on the quality and scale of proposals received. Applicants are asked to indicate the level of investment they believe would be required.

Do we need to have other funding partners?

Not necessarily. If you have identified potential co-funders or partners, you are welcome to include this information, but it is not a requirement at the EOI stage.

Can organisations submit more than one Expression of Interest?

Yes. If you have more than one transformational idea that addresses different opportunities or challenges, you may submit more than one Expression of Interest.

What happens after I submit an Expression of Interest?

The process has three stages:
1. Expressions of Interest close on 30 September 2026.
2. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, including a detailed budget, by 30 November 2026.
3. Finalists will present their proposal to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees before a final funding decision is made in March 2027.

What are the key dates?

• 31 July 2026 – Expressions of Interest open.
• 30 September 2026 – EOIs close.
• 30 November 2026 – Full proposals due (shortlisted applicants only).
• January 2027 – Final presentations to the Board.
• March 2027 – Funding decisions announced.

How will applications be assessed?

Expressions of Interest will be assessed on their potential to create transformational, long-term impact, their alignment with the Foundation’s strategic priorities, the strength of the community need, and the extent to which they are community-led and collaborative. Shortlisting will consider both the quality of the idea and its potential to create lasting change.

Does the funding need to be spent within 12 months?

No. As this fund sits outside the Foundation’s standard funding framework, successful initiatives may have longer delivery timeframes where appropriate.

Can we talk to someone before applying?

Absolutely. We encourage anyone considering an application to contact the Foundation if they’d like to discuss their idea or ask questions about the process.
Email: info@whanganuicommunityfoundation.org.nz