What we believe in
Our Values
Our values are at the heart of all we do, reflecting the spirit of generosity, inclusion and respect that has guided the Bequest since its beginnings and shaping how we approach giving.
Access: Ensuring access to equitable opportunities and essential resources
Improving access to education, nature/outdoors, healthcare services, food, technology and safe spaces
Reaching under-served or marginalised individuals or communities
Connecting people to opportunities that promote wellbeing
Participation: Encouraging meaningful involvement from all backgrounds and abilities in social, cultural, educational, and environmental spaces
Reducing financial, physical, language, social or other barriers to participation
Actively including marginalised or underrepresented groups (e.g. elderly, disabled, vulnerable youth)
Creating opportunities for people to contribute, lead or belong
Inspiration: Nurturing creativity, innovation and ambition
Promoting arts, cultural expression and storytelling
Uplifting and celebrating identity and culture
Inspiring people to reach their full potential through learning and self-expression
Our Impact Areas
We believe in the power of bringing people together, connecting them with their place, and celebrating their culture. By supporting projects across these broad areas, we can back the ideas and initiatives that matter most locally, responding to the real needs and strengths of communities.
People
Supporting the wellbeing of individuals and communities, such as youth and marginalised groups
Improving mental and physical health, education, and opportunities for social and recreational participation
Building social connection, relationships, and a sense of belonging
Place
Encouraging care for and connection to whenua and the natural environment
Connecting people to safe, inclusive spaces and places of belonging
Creating or enhances shared community spaces for collective use and wellbeing
Culture
Supporting artistic and cultural expression, identity and preservation
Strengthening the cultural fabric of Aotearoa New Zealand
Encouraging the growth of faith-based and cultural groups
Our Drivers of Impact
We believe positive change grows from within communities. That’s why we look for projects that strengthen connection, build resilience and enable self-determination. These drivers of impact guide our decision-making and help ensure our funding supports long-term, community-focused outcomes.
Connection
Building and strengthening relationships between people and communities
Connecting people to local resources, services, or opportunities
Connecting people to their sense of place – whether through the natural environment, cultural identity or a feeling of belonging in their community
Encouraging intergenerational and cross-cultural engagement
Resilience
Supporting long-term solutions, not just short-term fixes
Helping communities adapt to challenges or change, reducing vulnerability
Building capacity, systems or infrastructure that lasts beyond the funding
Strengthening leadership and collective problem-solving
Self-determination
Solutions come from within the community, reflecting local knowledge, values, and lived experience
Empowering individuals or groups to make systems change
Building capacity for ongoing, independent action with opportunities for shared ownership and leadership