Eastern Bay Community Foundation

04/06/2026

In the 2026 government budget an announcement was made about changes to tax credits on donations. This article focuses on the potential community impact of the cap on the donation tax credit.

"The Cancer Society Tauranga lodge is the real-world test of the philanthropic cap tax policy. It is a vital piece of health infrastructure for the Bay of Plenty, and without strong support from major donors, projects like this become almost impossible" says Helen Carter, CEO of Cancer Society BOP.
Also features quotes from Taranaki community champion Bryce Barnett, Chair of 45South Community Foundation, Stephen Brent, and CFANZ Board Chair, Lori Luke.

The Cancer Society warns planned facility in Tauranga is at risk after the Government capped tax rebates for major donors.

03/06/2026

Not everyone gets to experience the simple joy of reading a book 💛

With our annual grants round opening this week, we thought it was a good time to spotlight one of the funds making a real difference - and this one is pretty special…

In Aotearoa, around 1 in 4 adults struggle with basic literacy. That can make everyday things - filling out forms, job applications, even reading to your kids - much harder than they should be.

The Marnie Anstis Endowment Fund is about helping change that. Quietly supporting children learning to read, adults building confidence with literacy, and caring for the environment we all share.

It’s the kind of support that might not always be seen, but can change someone’s path entirely ✨

👉 Applications are open now: www.ebcf.nz/apply

Do you know a group, school, or project doing great work in this space? Tag them below or share their story - we’d love to help get the word out 💛

02/06/2026

Did I mention...?

The grant applications for our 2026 funding round are now open!!

If you're a charity or school looking for a funding boost for a community initiative in the Eastern Bay, we'd love to hear from you!

(just click the link in comments to get started)

27/05/2026

This is one of the fun parts of the job 💛

We’re just putting the final touches on things before opening our 2026 grants round - and it’s shaping up to be a great one.

This year we’ve got 7 grants available, supporting things like mental health, community projects, education and youth ✨

Applications open June 1st and you’ll have a month to get yours in.

👉 Keen to apply or learn more? Check it out here: www.ebcf.nz/apply

💬 Know a group doing awesome mahi in our community? Tag them below!

24/05/2026

If you’re a kiwifruit grower in the Whakatāne district, this one’s for you 🍃

A new Kiwifruit Growers Community Fund has been set up so growers can give back to our region - together.

It’s simple:
👉 Contribute just 1–2 cents per tray of export fruit
👉 Those contributions are pooled into one fund
👉 Growers help decide where it goes

From supporting youth opportunities to backing projects that strengthen our community - it’s about making a real difference where we live and work.

Small contribution. Big collective impact 💚

👇 Keen to be involved? Let us know below or get in touch - [email protected]

21/05/2026

It's Youth Week! 💛

This week is all about recognising the incredible contribution of our rangatahi - the ideas, talent and energy they bring every day.

We’re lucky to see that impact up close - supporting youth through grants and scholarships, from waka ama to STEM and beyond. Because when young people are supported, our whole community benefits ✨

Who’s a young person (or group) doing amazing things that deserves a shout-out? Tag them in the comments! 👇

p.s. Grant applications open next month... so make sure you follow our page to be in the loop!

19/05/2026

We’re still thinking about yesterday’s Women’s Impact Fund meeting 💛 (and of course I forgot to get a photo, so had to pull this one from the archives!)

So much passion, so many ideas - all focused on making our community better.

This group is all about giving TOGETHER - pooling contributions and choosing one project each year to support as a collective.

It’s simple, but powerful ✨

💬 What kind of big projects for women and children would you love to see backed in our community? Drop your ideas below!

17/05/2026

We’re seeing a shift - from quick donations to giving that really lasts 💛

Through smarter giving (your donation is invested and the returns are gifted each year), your gift KEEPS WORKING in the background, supporting your community year after year.

And right here in Eastern BOP, it’s already making a difference:

✨ 50+ funds
✨ $172,000 distributed last year

That’s the power of giving with INTENTION.

💬 If your giving could last forever, what would you support?

👉 Follow our page to see how local generosity is growing our community.

13/05/2026

✨ A little bit of glamour, a lot of heart ✨

Ōpōtiki turned it on last night as our Women’s Impact Fund filled the De luxe Theatre for a fun evening of glitz, good company and connection.

With a full house turning up for The Devil Wears Prada 2, it was the perfect excuse to dress up, catch up and enjoy the delicious high tea put on by Bridge Street Café. Trudie from Too Pretty took on the tricky task of judging best-dressed on the night 💄

While it was a fantastic night out, it was also about something bigger. The Eastern Bay Women’s Impact Fund is now in its fifth year, bringing local women together to pool their giving and support projects that make a real difference for wāhine in our community.

The 2026 fund is already underway, with 30 women on board — and we’d love some more to join us.

💫 If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, now’s a great time. Check out more info here - https://www.ebcf.nz/womens-impact/

11/05/2026

💚 A special evening celebrating community, legacy, and giving back 💚

On Friday night, our farming community came together to honour Rod McPherson and the legacy that continues in his name.

What started as a way to remember Rod has grown into something pretty special. Through the Rod McPherson Memorial Rural Scholarship, young people in the Eastern Bay are getting the support (and belief) they need to back themselves and pursue careers in agriculture. 🌱

It was great to hear from recipients Emma-Rose Black and Alex Iremonger, who spoke about the difference this support has made to them - not just financially, but in building confidence and connection.

A big thank you to everyone who has contributed to this fund and to those who joined us on the night. It’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community gets in behind its young people.

👉 Learn more or get involved: www.ebcf.nz
👉 Scholarship applications open in August!