Our Strategic Direction

Our enduring focus remains on the people and communities who need us most: 

  • Children aged 0–5 and young people at risk 
  • The elderly members of our communities 
  • Activities and programmes that strengthen community connection and resilience 
  • Communities
Whanganui Community Foundation Strategic Plan (PDF)

Our Vision

Thriving communities across
Whanganui, Rangitikei and
Waimarino where people feel
connected and empowered to
shape their shared futures.

Our Purpose

To grow and distribute
community funds to support
a thriving, equitable and
resilient region.

Strategic Pillars & Outcomes

Our four pillars are:
Equity | Connection | Bold | Sustainable

Equity

We prioritise those with the greatest need

What wlll we do:

  • Fund initiatives supporting underserved communities and our young people at risk
  • Remove barriers to participation and opportunity especially isolated Kaumātua – older members of our communities
  • Ensure inclusive access across urban and rural areas

Outcomes & Impact:

  • Fair and equitable access to opportunities and resources across all communities
  • Reduced disparities across communities
  • Greater inclusion and participation of underrepresented groups
  • Active senior participation in community life across every district

Connection

We build social cohesion and participation

What wlll we do:

  • Support community-led initiatives
  • Invest in projects that bring people together
  • Strengthen local networks and partnerships

Outcomes & Impact:

  • Stronger community connection and participation
  • Increased trust, collaboration and local leadership
  • Communities that are more resilient and self-supporting
  • Cultural activities that reflect and celebrate the diversity of our communities

Bold

We back long-term, intergenerational change

What wlll we do:

  • Invest in initiatives with clear long-term outcomes
  • Support capability building in organisations
  • Embed learning, evaluation and knowledge sharing to ensure insights and impact are sustained and inform future investment decisions
  • Grow our funding pool by $7.5 million in new funds

Outcomes & Impact:

  • Sustainable, long-term improvements in wellbeing
  • Stronger, more capable community organisations
  • Young people gaining real-life skills, resilience and connection

Sustainable

We support long-term environmental and community resilience

What wlll we do:

  • Fund climate action and sustainability initiatives
  • Support economic resilience through community-led initiatives that strengthen local economies
  • Ensure intergenerational stewardship of resources
  • Be responsive to emergency events

Outcomes & Impact:

  • Communities are better prepared for environmental and economic change
  • Growth in sustainable and locally-led initiatives
  • Resources are protected and enhanced for future generations

Our ways of working

Partner with communities
Honour Te Tiriti relationships and commitments
Focus on what matters for future generations
Support and grow community strength
Care for and protect our shared resources

Our ways of working (Kaupapa)

Care – Manaakitanga: Caring for people and place
Compassion – Aroha: Acting with compassion and heart
Support – Tautoko: Standing with and supporting each other
Guardianship – Kaitiakitanga: Looking after what matters for the future
Connection – Whanaungatanga: Building connection and belonging

What success looks like by 2030

Communities across Whanganui, Rangitikei and Waimarino are connected,
inclusive and resilient, thriving across generations.