We are growing local generosity to support the people and places of Te Upoko-o-te-Ika-a-Māui, the Greater Wellington region, forever.
Our vision is to create thriving, resilient communities strengthened by diversity and generosity.
As the Greater Wellington region’s community foundation, we are committed to creating transformational change for our communities, ensuring everyone has the tools and resources they need to flourish. We have strong connections to our communities and are in tune with their needs, working alongside them to ensure local generosity goes to local causes.
Working together to make Wellington thrive.
Whether you are passionate about inspiring the next generation of leaders, promoting the health and wellbeing of our local communities, or fostering Wellington’s cultural landscape, Nikau Foundation gives you a platform to give to the people, places and causes you love.
How does it work?
Nikau understands that healthy, happy, thriving communities require long-term, sustainable support and resources. That’s why we invest and grow the gifts we receive, however big or small, to create positive change for our region today, tomorrow and long into the future.
Local funding, to help local mahi grow.
Nikau is so proud to have supported a fund a wide range of organisations from across our region in 2023. You can read about some of this good mahi below. To see all grants given out in 2023, click here.
Harnessing people to deliver positive conservation outcomes.
Established in 2021, what is colloquially referred to as WaiP2K has a mission to bring people together from Mount Bruce to Cape Palliser and mobilise volunteers to get involved in a range of local conservation projects. In 2023, WaiP2K introduced the Predator Free programme to Masterton to arm locals with the skills and resources they need to control pests
A whānau and women-centred approach to health.
Established in 1991 after the Cartwright Inquiry, Mana Wāhine Incorporated has a kaupapa to empower and support women to make informed choices about their health.
In 2023, Mana Wāhine launched their own website to encourage women to take charge of their health and showcase their services in a powerful, meaningful and vivid way.
Providing mental health support through creative engagement.
Originally located on Cuba Street, Pablos Art Studio’s story started in 1993 as a creative response to demand for better community support for marginalised communities and people experiencing mental health issues.
Now 30-years into their story, Pablos offers creative opportunities for individuals to regulate, observe and understand their emotions, affirm a sense of self and enrich their lives. Nikau was delighted to support Pablos’ community outreach programme at Mary Potter Hospice.
Strategic, future focused philanthropy.
In 2023, Nikau was delighted to work alongside many generous individuals, organisations and trusts to make their generosity go further, safeguard their impact and ensure their generosity gives back to our community in meaningful, practical and relevant ways. You can read more about this generosity below.
Preserving the legacy of June Oakley.
Throughout her life, June Oakley was dedicated to uplifting and support the local Kapiti community, volunteering for a number of organisations. When June died in 1986, her friends and former colleagues established the June Oakley Memorial Youth Trust to continue June’s legacy. To ensure the important work of the trust could continue, it was transferred to Nikau with the June Oakley Memorial Youth Fund being established in 2023.
Safeguarding the places and stories of Wellington.
While raising funds to support current projects remains an important priority for all for-purpose organisations, like the Friends of Futuna Charitable Trust and Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust, many are also looking to the future.
By establishing funds with Nikau Foundation, these organisations have taken strategic steps to secure the next chapter and create a long-term source of funding.
The power of collaboration in effective, meaningful grant-making.
Wellington North Rotary has had a long history of giving back both locally and further afield. When the club first connected with Nikau, it was with the goal of ensuring that they were giving in a way that was meaningful, powerful and responsive to community need.
We were delighted to work alongside Wellington North Rotary to connect them with three transformative organisations working to build life skills for youth.
Connect with us.
We would love the opportunity to speak with you about how we can help you to execute your giving goals for our community.
