$370,000 donated to Bay community groups
Hundreds of thousands of dollars has been distributed to Bay charities and community groups in the annual distribution of grants from the Acorn Foundation.
This week, the Foundation will distribute more than $370,000 to 73 local recipients.
Chair Sally Morrison said this was "a huge achievement'', given Acorn Foundation was still in its early days.
"The generosity of those who have chosen to become Acorn Foundation donors has meant that we are able to support an ever increasing number of local community groups.''
The reason for the increase each year is that Acorn invested the donated capital, and the investment income was used to make distributions. As the number of Acorn donors grew, so will the amount available to distribute each year.
Waipuna Hospice will receive $37,000 from Acorn Foundation this year.
"Thanks to the generosity of two of our donors who have passed away recently, who nominated the hospice to receive distributions from their fund each year, Mrs Morrison said.
"The beauty of Acorn is that Waipuna Hospice now knows they will be getting this money every year forever, and can budget for it, unlike other grant income.''
More than $10,000 was granted to Camp Quality, an organisation for for children living with cancer. Significant grants were also donated to Merivale Community Inc, Tauranga YMCA and the region's three surf lifesaving clubs, for junior coaching and equipment.
Mrs Morrison said it was "very encouraging'' to know generosity was alive and well in the Bay, despite the tough economic conditions.
Since the Acorn Foundation established in 2003, more than $1.5 million has been granted to local charities and community groups.
