Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Top of the South Community Foundation is pleased to announce the successful recipients of its Annual Grant Round for 2026, with over 70 initiatives from across Te Tauihu receiving funding. 

“This year’s Grant Round saw an overwhelming response, with over 200 applications received,” says Chelsea Routhan, CEO. “So many organisations across Te Tauihu put their hand up this year, and we’re proud to be able to support over 70 initiatives, thanks to the generosity of our donors.” 

The Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who applied. We appreciate the time and effort that goes into every application, and recognise the valuable contribution these organisations make to their communities every day. 

To this year’s recipients, congratulations. We look forward to seeing and hearing about all the great work you will deliver across our communities. 

Demand in this year’s grant round significantly exceeded available funding, with requests totalling almost four times the funds available. This reflects both the challenging financial conditions many organisations are facing and the strength and reach of our community foundation network.  

Grant recipients for 2026 are: 

Grant Applicant: Marlborough Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP) Incorporated

Project Name: Ara Haumaru Driving Skills Programme

Summary of Project: Driver licensing, practical driving lessons and forklift certification support for rangatahi who are disengaged from education, employment or training, helping young people gain qualifications, improve road safety and access employment opportunities.

Grant Applicant: English Language Partners

Funding Awarded: $2,000

Summary of Project: This grant will fund tutors for two weekly programmes: one for at-risk youth (in partnership with Pathways) and a drop-in session for isolated older adults. The programmes provide free access to art materials and tutor support in a safe space for creative expression and social connection. 

Grant Applicant: Manu Ora

Project Name: Manu Ora Tuakana-Teina Initiative 

Funding Awarded: $4,000

Summary of Project: Kaupapa Māori mentoring, training and wellbeing support for healthcare students, interns and emerging practitioners, strengthening pathways into healthcare careers and supporting the development of a culturally responsive local workforce.

Grant Applicant: Marlborough Chamber of Commerce

Project Name: Future of Work Marlborough 2027

Funding Awarded: $4,000

Summary of Project: Marlborough’s largest careers expo, connecting rangatahi with employers, industry representatives and training providers to explore career pathways, future workforce opportunities and local employment options.

Grant Applicant: Wild Waikawa

Project Name: Conservation Ranger - Environment Restoration & Career Pathway Initiative

Funding Awarded: $600

Summary of Project: Conservation ranger placement providing practical experience, mentoring and skills development for emerging conservation professionals while supporting predator control, ecological restoration and community engagement activities.

Grant Applicant: Selmes Garden Charitable Trust

Project Name: Trees for Marlborough

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Social enterprise native plant nursery creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities while supplying eco-sourced native plants to support environmental restoration across Marlborough.

Grant Applicant: New Zealand Landcare Trust (Wairau Nature Network) 

Project Name: Thomsons Ford Kererū Food Forest

Funding Awarded: $5,000

Summary of Project: Establishment of a 500-tree eco-sourced native food forest at Thomsons Ford Reserve to support kererū habitat, biodiversity restoration, ecological connectivity and community education through volunteer-led restoration.

Grant Applicant: The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand

Project Name: Te Hoiere Bat Recovery Programme

Funding Awarded: $6,000

Summary of Project: Support towards a Predator Control Officer role coordinating predator control across Te Hoiere/Pelorus and Rai catchments to protect nationally critical long-tailed bats (pekapeka-tou-roa) and associated native ecosystems.

Grant Applicant: Kārearea Falcon Trust 

Project Name: Biosecurity and Endemic Raptor Safeguarding 

Funding Awarded: $2,500 

Summary of Project: Installation of motion-activated security cameras to strengthen biosecurity, detect predators and protect breeding and rehabilitation facilities supporting the recovery of New Zealand falcons (kārearea). 

Grant Applicant: South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust 

Project Name: Backcountry Volunteers into Saxton/Acheron Headwaters 

Funding Awarded: $5,100 

Summary of Project: Volunteer-led wilding pine control programme in the Molesworth Recreation Reserve, protecting significant alpine ecosystems, biodiversity and landscape values. 

Grant Applicant: Hinepango Wetland Restoration Group 

Project Name: Hinepango Wetland Restoration Group 

Funding Awarded: $6,000 

Summary of Project: Specialist weed control to support ongoing restoration of one of Marlborough’s most significant wetlands, enabling expansion of native planting and biodiversity recovery. 

Grant Applicant: Picton Dawn Chorus 

Project Name: Storage Unit for Trapping Supplies 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Purchase and fit-out of a secure storage container supporting predator-control equipment and volunteer conservation activities across the Picton area. 

Grant Applicant: Cook Strait Pest Control Charitable Trust 

Project Name: Contribution to Consumables Costs 

Funding Awarded: $2,000 

Summary of Project: Volunteer-led predator control programme on Pickersgill Island, maintaining an extensive trapping network to reduce rat populations and protect native wildlife. Hardware and consumables for volunteers undertaking regular conservation trips in partnership with Te Ātiawa and the Department of Conservation. 

Grant Applicant: Wild Waikawa 

Project Name: Conservation Ranger – Environment Restoration & Career Pathway Initiative 

Funding Awarded: $400 

Summary of Project: Support for a conservation ranger programme providing practical conservation experience and mentoring for emerging conservation professionals. The initiative combines predator control, weed management and community engagement activities while helping participants build skills, confidence and pathways into conservation employment. (Also partially funded $600 from the Marlborough Employment Support Fund) 

Grant Applicant: The White House 

Project Name: Community Wellbeing Peer Support 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Peer-led wellbeing and social support service providing a safe, welcoming space for people experiencing mental health challenges, social isolation and hardship to build connections, access practical support and strengthen community participation. 

Grant Applicant: Crossroads (Marlborough) Trust 

Project Name: Food, Friendship and Connection 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Community meal programme providing nutritious food, social connection and practical support for people across Marlborough, reducing isolation and creating a welcoming environment where people can gather, share kai and access assistance. 

Grant Applicant: Inclusive Sport Trust 

Project Name: Multi Sport 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Inclusive recreation programme expanding access to community sport and leisure activities for children, youth and young adults with disabilities, promoting participation, confidence, wellbeing and social connection. 

Grant Applicant: Marlborough Riding for the Disabled 

Project Name: Ensuring a Safe Environment 

Funding Awarded: $1,140 

Summary of Project: Support for coaching development and safety equipment, helping maintain high-quality therapeutic riding programmes while ensuring riders have access to safe, compliant protective equipment. 

Grant Applicant: Loaves & Fishes 

Project Name: Loaves and Fishes 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Provision of hot, nutritious meals and a safe, welcoming space for people experiencing food insecurity, loneliness and hardship, supporting wellbeing, social connection and community support. 

Grant Applicant: Cultural Conversations 

Project Name: Beyond the Pink Door 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Community outreach programme supporting migrant and former refugee women to build confidence, reduce isolation, strengthen wellbeing and develop a sense of belonging through shared community experiences and social connection. 

Grant Applicant: Waimea Mens Shed 

Project Name: Trade Skills and English Program 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Mentoring programme supporting refugees and migrants to develop trade skills, workplace English and employment readiness while building confidence, community connections and pathways into meaningful work. 

Grant Applicant: Motueka Women's Support Link 

Project Name: Empowering Women Through Counselling 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Specialist counselling service for women experiencing family violence, trauma, grief, anxiety and other challenges, providing timely support to improve safety, wellbeing, resilience and long-term outcomes for women and their whānau. 

Grant Applicant: Nelson Tasman Pasifika Trust 

Project Name: Pasifika Youth Leadership Programme 

Funding Awarded: $2,000 

Summary of Project: Leadership development programme for Pasifika rangatahi, providing mentoring, cultural learning, workshops and community projects that build confidence, resilience, leadership skills and cultural identity while strengthening participation in education and community life. 

Grant Applicant: The Young Nelson Trust (Rangatahi o Whakatū / Youth Nelson) 

Project Name: Taha Tinana – Kai and Hākinakina 

Funding Awarded: $2,000 

Summary of Project: Health and wellbeing programme supporting disengaged rangatahi through nutrition education, meal preparation, fitness training and mentoring, helping young people build healthy habits, confidence, resilience and stronger connections to education and community. 

Grant Applicant: The Takaka Village Theatre Incorporated Society 

Project Name: Village Theatre Projection Room Sound Processor Upgrade 

Funding Awarded: $1,300 

Summary of Project: Upgrade and modernisation of the theatre’s ageing projection room audio system, improving reliability, safety and long-term sustainability of a valued community facility serving residents, schools, arts groups and visitors. 

Grant Applicant: Onetahua Marae 

Project Name: Reo me Tikanga – Marae Resources 

Funding Awarded: $1,500 

Summary of Project: Development of bilingual marae resources, including tikanga and reo Māori booklets and signage, to support cultural knowledge, language revitalisation and confident participation for whānau and the wider Mohua community. 

Grant Applicant: Pohara Boat Club 

Project Name: Optimist Dinghy Upgrades 

Funding Awarded: $2,000 

Summary of Project: Replacement of ageing sails, masts and trailers for the club’s junior training fleet, supporting youth sailing, water safety education and community “have-a-go” programmes delivered through local schools. 

Grant Applicant: Golden Bay Riders for the Disabled 

Project Name: Horse Care 

Funding Awarded: $1,500 

Summary of Project: Contribution toward feed, veterinary and farrier costs for therapy horses supporting children and young adults with physical, social and developmental challenges through equine-assisted activities. 

Grant Applicant: Golden Bay Community Health – Te Hauora o Mohua Trust 

Project Name: Four Heat & Cooling Pumps 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Installation of climate-control systems within the Golden Bay Community Health facility, improving comfort, safety and wellbeing for patients, staff and visitors while ensuring temperature-sensitive medications are appropriately stored. 

Grant Applicant: Rites of Passage Foundation 

Project Name: Tracks and Tides 2027 

Funding Awarded: $1,000 

Summary of Project: Nature-based rites of passage programmes supporting young people and their parents or caregivers to strengthen resilience, confidence, family relationships and connection to the natural environment. 

Grant Applicant: Friends of East Mohua 

Project Name: Friends of East Mohua Restoration Project 

Funding Awarded: $2,500 

Summary of Project: Community-led environmental restoration from Motupipi to Wainui Bay, including predator control, native planting, volunteer engagement, track improvements and biodiversity enhancement across eastern Golden Bay. 

Grant Applicant: Project De-Vine Environmental Trust 

Project Name: East Mohua Trapping Collective 

Funding Awarded: $2,600 

Summary of Project: Community-led predator control programme across eastern Golden Bay, supporting an extensive trapping network that protects native birds, lizards and ecosystems while building local participation in landscape-scale conservation. 

Grant Applicant: Te Tauihu Tasman Environmental Trust (Kelly's Conservation Forest) 

Project Name: Kelly's Conservation Forest 

Funding Awarded: $1,000 

Summary of Project: Ongoing weed control programme protecting a significant native forest remnant from invasive species such as old man's beard and banana passionfruit, preserving biodiversity and ecological values while providing a community conservation and education resource. 

Grant Applicant: Te Tauihu Tasman Environmental Trust (Friends of Snowden's Bush) 

Project Name: Friends of Snowden's Bush 

Funding Awarded: $2,000 

Summary of Project: Native planting and mulching programme strengthening the margins of one of the last remaining Waimea Plains forest remnants, reducing edge effects, improving habitat quality and enhancing biodiversity. 

Grant Applicant: Te Tauihu Tasman Environmental Trust (Roding River Catchment Group) 

Project Name: Roding River Catchment Restoration 

Funding Awarded: $2,000 

Summary of Project: Community-led river restoration initiative supporting riparian planting, weed control, pest management and habitat enhancement along the Roding River, improving water quality and ecosystem health across the catchment. 

Grant Applicant: Te Tauihu Tasman Environmental Trust (TET) 

Project Name: TET Community Conservation Hub 

Funding Awarded: $2,000 

Summary of Project: Core support for a regional conservation hub that assists community-led environmental projects with governance, administration, volunteer coordination and funding support, enabling grassroots conservation initiatives to thrive across Te Tauihu. 

Grant Applicant: Te Tauihu Tasman Environmental Trust (Motueka Catchment Collective) 

Project Name: Riwaka River Trapping Project 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Community and landowner-led predator control initiative in the Riwaka catchment, supporting biodiversity recovery through strategic trapping and long-term protection of native wildlife and freshwater ecosystems. 

Grant Applicant: Nelson Environment Centre 

Project Name: Good Kai, Strong Whānau 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Operational support for Kai Rescue, enabling the collection and redistribution of surplus food to more than 60 community organisations across Nelson Tasman, reducing food insecurity while diverting good food from landfill. 

Grant Applicant: Multicultural Nelson Tasman 

Project Name: Motueka Migrant Support 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Community coordination and support programme helping migrants and multicultural families access services, overcome barriers, build social connections and strengthen their sense of belonging within the Motueka community. 

Grant Applicant: Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman 

Project Name: Support for Every Family Unit 

Funding Awarded: $5,000 

Summary of Project: Free, accessible advice and advocacy service supporting individuals and families navigating complex family, legal, immigration and wellbeing matters, helping people understand their rights, access support and achieve positive outcomes. 

Grant Applicant: Brain Injury Top of the South and West Coast 

Project Name: Support for the Brain Injured 

Funding Awarded: $5,000 

Summary of Project: Specialist advocacy and support service for people living with brain injuries, helping individuals and whānau access services, overcome barriers, build independence and improve quality of life. 

Grant Applicant: Nelson Young Parents School 

Project Name: Social Worker 

Funding Awarded: $5,000 

Summary of Project: Onsite social work service providing wraparound support for vulnerable young parents and their children, helping address barriers to education, wellbeing, housing stability and family resilience. 

Grant Applicant: Respiratory Support Nelson 

Project Name: Motueka Better Breathers 

Funding Awarded: $3,800 

Summary of Project: Community-based respiratory rehabilitation programme offering exercise, education and peer support for people living with chronic respiratory conditions, improving health, wellbeing and social connection. 

Grant Applicant: RISE 

Project Name: Self-Referred Men’s Behaviour Change 

Funding Awarded: $9,600 

Summary of Project: Non-violence and behaviour change programme for self-referred men seeking to address harmful behaviours, improve relationships and create safer outcomes for partners, children and whānau. 

Grant Applicant: Whakatū Group Riding for the Disabled 

Project Name: Whakatū Therapeutic Riding Programme 

Funding Awarded: $2,500 

Summary of Project: Therapeutic horse-riding programme providing physical, emotional and social benefits for people experiencing disability or additional challenges, promoting confidence, wellbeing and participation. 

Grant Applicant: Hāpai Hapūtanga / Pregnancy Support 

Project Name: Māmā me Pēpi Oranga 

Funding Awarded: $2,500 

Summary of Project: Holistic support programme for women and whānau experiencing pregnancy-related challenges, providing counselling, advocacy, home visits and practical assistance to improve maternal and infant wellbeing. 

Grant Applicant: He Kai Kei Aku Ringa 

Project Name: HKKAR Wānanga 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Nature-based learning programme supporting rangatahi to develop life skills, confidence, employment readiness, cultural knowledge and connections to food gathering, whānau and the environment. 

Grant Applicant: Nelson Women’s Centre 

Project Name: Strengthening Family Wellbeing 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Community-based counselling, social work, housing navigation and wellbeing support helping women, non-binary people and families build resilience, improve wellbeing and navigate hardship. 

Grant Applicant: Tāhunanui Community Hub (TCH) 

Project Name: TCH Hub Operational Expenses 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Operational support for a neighbourhood hub providing food assistance, health services, community programmes, social connection and access to essential support services for local residents. 

Grant Applicant: Motueka Community Trust 

Project Name: School Chaplaincy 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: School-based pastoral support programme providing mentoring, practical assistance, family engagement and wellbeing support for students and whānau, helping children engage and thrive at school. 

Grant Applicant: Nelson Community Foodbank Trust 

Project Name: Nutritious Food for Thriving Communities – Driver 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Support for foodbank logistics and distribution, ensuring nutritious food can be collected, packed and delivered to individuals and whānau experiencing food insecurity throughout Nelson Tasman. 

Grant Applicant: Life Linc 

Project Name: Affordable Counselling in our Community 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Affordable counselling service supporting individuals, couples and families experiencing mental health challenges, financial hardship and relationship difficulties, improving wellbeing and resilience. 

Grant Applicant: Age Concern Nelson 

Project Name: Social Navigation Support 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Navigation and advocacy service helping older people experiencing hardship to access housing, health, financial and community support, enabling them to remain safe, connected and independent. 

Grant Applicant: Beneficiaries and Unwaged Workers Trust 

Project Name: Ongoing Welfare Advocacy Services 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Free advocacy service supporting low-income individuals and whānau to understand their entitlements, access support services and improve financial and social wellbeing. 

Grant Applicant: Mohua Social Services 

Project Name: Growing Strong Together Initiative 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Integrated social work and foodbank initiative supporting vulnerable whānau through early intervention, strengthened social work practice and access to nutritious food, improving long-term wellbeing and resilience. 

Grant Applicant: Helping Families Nelson Trust 

Project Name: Supporting Whānau 

Funding Awarded: $10,000 

Summary of Project: Practical welfare support providing clothing, bedding, baby items and other essential goods to families experiencing hardship, helping improve child wellbeing and household stability. 

Grant Applicant: Motueka Group Riding for the Disabled Association 

Project Name: Attendance Engagement Programme 

Funding Awarded: $5,280 

Summary of Project: Equine-assisted programme supporting students with attendance and engagement challenges, building confidence, resilience, motivation and stronger connections to school and community life. 

Grant Applicant: Perinatal Support Nelson 

Project Name: Perinatal Whānau Support 

Funding Awarded: $7,000 

Summary of Project: Specialist counselling and support service for mothers experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety, strengthening maternal mental health, family wellbeing and healthy child development. 

Grant Applicant: Q-Youth Incorporated 

Project Name: Funding our Staff 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Contribution toward youth worker, manager and support staff salaries to ensure consistent professional support, advocacy and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ young people. 

Grant Applicant: Citizens Advice Bureau 

Project Name: Trusted Advice for Empowered Lives 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Free, confidential information and advocacy service helping people understand their rights, navigate complex issues, access community support and build the confidence to make informed decisions that improve long-term wellbeing and self-sufficiency. 

Grant Applicant: La Leche League Nelson/Tasman 

Project Name: Breastfeeding Support Services 

Funding Awarded: $1,000 

Summary of Project: Support for volunteer-led breastfeeding education, advice and whānau support services. 

Grant Applicant: Nelson Tasman Pasifika Trust 

Project Name: Pasifika Housing & Budgeting Workshops 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Delivery of culturally responsive housing and financial capability workshops for Pasifika families. 

Grant Applicant: Mohua Social Services 

Project Name: Growing Strong Together Initiative 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Strengthening social work practice and community wellbeing outcomes for local whānau. 

Grant Applicant: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust NZ 

Project Name: Advocacy & Support Services 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Advocacy, support groups and caregiver education for grandparents and whānau raising tamariki. 

Grant Applicant: Crossroads (Marlborough) Trust 

Project Name: Community Care and Connection 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Support toward frontline staffing delivering food support, community meals and social connection initiatives. 

Grant Applicant: Nelson Women's Centre 

Project Name: Belonging, Wellbeing and Resilience 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Community-based support including counselling, social work, housing navigation and wellbeing programmes. 

Grant Applicant: Tāhunanui Community Hub 

Project Name: Operational Expenses 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Contribution toward operational costs supporting a community hub and access to local services. 

Grant Applicant: Victory Community Centre 

Project Name: Māra Kai 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Community food garden providing opportunities for people to grow food, learn practical gardening skills, strengthen social connections and improve wellbeing while enhancing household food security and community resilience. 

Grant Applicant: Nelson Community Foodbank Trust 

Project Name: Nutritious Food for Thriving Communities 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Contribution toward driver costs supporting food collection and distribution. 

Grant Applicant: RISE 

Project Name: Safe Whānau, Strong Colours 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Rainbow-responsive family violence service development, staff training and service enhancement. 

Grant Applicant: Nelson Environment Centre 

Project Name: Kai ki te Hapori 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Food rescue and redistribution programme reducing food waste and supporting community food security. 

Grant Applicant: Community Action Nelson 

Project Name: The Couch 

Funding Awarded: $2,300 

Summary of Project: Pilot family wellbeing hub providing support, connection and referrals for parents and caregivers. 

Grant Applicant: Volunteer Nelson 

Project Name: Rangatahi in Community 

Funding Awarded: $3,000 

Summary of Project: Youth volunteering programme supporting engagement, confidence and pathways into education, training and employment. 

The Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who applied. We appreciate the time and effort that goes into every application, and recognise the valuable contribution these organisations make to their communities every day. 

ENDS