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.
Stories of Impact:
Nikau is so proud to fund a wide range of organisations working hard to support the people and places of our. You can read more about this incredible mahi below.
Inspiring kaitiakitanga for marine mammals.
Founded in the 70s, Project Jonah now engages over 4500 volunteer marine mammal medics from across Aotearoa New Zealand to respond to whale and dolphin strandings. Knowing that education is key to creating good outcomes, Project Jonah sought funding to deliver training complementing mātauranga Māori to Ngāti Toa iwi.
Supporting older generations to navigate the digital world.
Digital Seniors’ story started when CEO, Cathy Hardinge discovered that the digital divide was particularly strong in people aged over 65. Digital Seniors now offers digital competency training in a variety of subjects to older people throughout the Wairarapa, and sought funding to expand this service into rest homes in the region.
Combining fitness and fun, Cycle Safe Porirua aims to make cycling inclusive, approachable and accessible for our communities. To make sure a wide range of people could reap the many benefits of cycling, no matter their level of fitness, Cycle Safe Porirua sought funding to purchase an e-bike.
Promoting community wellbeing through fitness and fun.
Making a difference, wherever your heart is.
Whether you are passionate about helping youth fulfil their potential, ensuring that our natural flora and fauna are preserved for generations to come or fostering Wellington’s flourishing arts scene, Nikau Foundation allows you to create transformational change for the people and places you love.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to giving through Nikau Foundation. While some choose to establish an individual fund based on their interests, others choose to give as a family, leave a gift in their will or give monthly online. However you wish to give, we’re here to make sure the causes you care about are supported today, tomorrow and long into the future.
A powerful way to honour Caroline.
After Caroline passed away in tragic circumstances, her family were looking for a powerful way to honour her memory. The Caroline Boyd Memorial Fund was established with Nikau Foundation in 2017 with the goal of supporting the advancement of youth, women's and pressing community issues.
Everlasting support for the arts.
For Nikau Foundation donor Adrienne Bushell, acknowledging her late husband Laurie meant honouring their mutual love for the arts and shared interest in philanthropy. The Laurie Bushell Fund was established to foster the arts in its many forms in 2007. Since then, it has supported many organisations, such as the Orpheus Choir, Coasters Musical Theatre and the NZ Portrait Gallery.
An enduring legacy for one of Wellington’s most progressive women.
In 2019, what was then known as The Sprott House Trust rebranded to The Edith Sprott Trust.; a powerful acknowledgement of the woman behind its long history. In honour of Edith’s commitment to her communities, The Edith Sprott Fund was established in 2022 with the goal of providing equitable, accessible support for older people and people with dementia.
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.
