Mental health, the environment and youth support are key community needs being targeted in the Eastern Bay Community Foundation’s latest round of grants, which are now open for application.

Charities, charitable trusts, and schools can apply for a share of the funding, which is made possible through endowment funds established by generous local donors.

Community Foundation manager Angela Jackson said a recent survey of Eastern Bay community groups showed this year’s grant funding was well aligned with what was needed on the ground across the region.

“What we’re hearing is that there is strong demand for support in areas like mental health, environmental initiatives and youth development.

“The range of grants available means there are opportunities for smaller grassroots projects as well as more established organisations.”

Individual grants range from $500 to $5000 and are available for local initiatives based around areas like improving literacy and numeracy, protecting the environment, support for dyslexia, responding to general community needs and mental health.

A new focus on community safety has also been added for 2026. This includes the Gordon Nelson Rescue Fund, which specifically targets rescue equipment and services for the Ōpōtiki region.

The Gordon Nelson Rescue Equipment Trust was set up as a direct response to the tragedy that claimed the lives of Nelson and Frederick Ruff in April 2014.

The men died when the tow truck they were in crashed 25 metres down a bank on the remote Takaputahi Road at Toatoa, after recovering a stranded vehicle.

In 2023, the trustees decided to transfer the funds into the care of the community foundation in order to grow and continue the fund, ensuring voluntary organisations in the Ōpōtiki district could use the grants to keep their communication and lifesaving equipment up to date and in good working order.

Jackson said the community foundation was particularly excited about the new grants.

“Each of our grants reflect the passion our donors have for supporting the wellbeing and resilience of our community, and it’s fantastic to see these funds growing to the point where they can be distributed to those who are doing that frontline work.”

Applications for grants close on June 30.

Groups are advised to review the eligibility criteria on the website before starting their application.

To find out more, visit www.ebcf.nz/apply