Who are we ? 

We are a trusted, independent, not-for-profit community foundation that has registered charitable status.

We grow community impact through transformational, sustainable, bold and meaningful change in our communities, made possible by the generosity of our donors. 

We are a proud member of the Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Our Purpose  

Our core purpose is to champion and grow a perpetual fund to support projects that will positively impact the communities in our region,

and to contribute to our mission of helping to build a thriving Eastern Bay, truly making this an outstanding place to live, work and play. 

Our trustees are faithful and dependable local people, rotated and selected to represent the geographical and physical diversity of the region.

They are committed to creating the change our community needs and act in good faith to be the guardians of the funds gifted to the community, held in our care. 

One of the primary objectives of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation is to make a real and long lasting difference to our region through encouraging local generosity.

We work alongside those who wish to support a specific cause, passion or area of interest now and into the future. 

We Build Endowment Funds 

An endowment fund is an invested gift, with income going to a cause or causes of the donors choice.

It enables generous people to give long term, well beyond their lifetime to a cause or a charity they care about in their local community.

Endowment funds are established to support:

  • the arts
  • the preservation of taonga and heritage
  • education
  • strengthening communities
  • health
  • our natural environment
  • children and youth
  • seniors
  • sport and recreation

The range is limitless. 

Whether you are an individual, a family or an organisation the Eastern Bay Community Foundation can work with you to achieve the difference you wish to make.

We accept one-off gifts, regular donations, and bequests. Many gifts are eligible for the current tax benefit of 33 1/3 % rebate.

You can find us in downtown Whakatāne - @ 15 George Street (Under the Quayside Apartments)  Monday to Thursday 8.30-3.00pm  

Big Dreams Can Happen...
Find out what we do at the Eastern Bay Community Foundation
Little Nippers lifesaving
Find out about giving to our local community funds
Our Funds
Learn about our funds, who they help and applying for a grant
Taneatua Mural
Donate to one of our funds and support your local community
Learn about the people who run the organisation and funds
Got a question about us? Get in touch.
Sustainable Devlopment Goals
In 2015 the United Nations adopted a 15year plan to make significant changes across the globe- a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity, for people and planet and partnerships to make these changes. In 2023, the Eastern Bay Community Foundation Board of Trustees also adopted these goals to align with how we work with our communities in the Eastern Bay.
Friends of Thornton Park
The Friends of Thornton Park (an Opotiki Residential Aged Care facility) are a group of willing volunteers looking to initially raise sufficient funds to purchase an accessible multi-purpose van, with wheelchair capacity, to enable residents to attend appointments, engage with community events and enjoy experiences outside Thornton Park. This fund will also put aside funds to ensure the residents are able to 'live their best life'.