Some calendar updates from Nikau Foundation
At Nikau, we are always reflecting on how we can be the best possible funder and kaitiaki to our communities, respond to the challenges facing for-purpose organisations, and continue to connect local generosity with amazing community mahi, like yours. Sometimes, this means taking a step back, looking at what could work better and considering whether we could approach things differently.
For as long as we can remember, we have worked around the financial year of October 1 – September 30. This has created a few challenges, like the below:
We’re a bit out of sync
To be able to build and deliver reliable sources of funding for our communities, we work alongside organisations such as The Tindall Foundation, Perpetual Guardian and our wealth managers, Craigs Investment Partners and Harbour Asset Management.
Currently, our financial year differs from theirs quite significantly, which causes a few reporting challenges and risks for us as an investor. To ensure we are the best possible kaitiaki of local generosity, it is important that we align ourselves as closely as possible to mitigate these challenges and create more consistency.
Building strong, meaningful relationships
As a funder, Nikau places a focus on building strong, meaningful relationships with our communities. To truly understand your kaupapa and the impact you’re making, we love having the opportunity to connect, kōrero, catch up for a coffee or visit your organisation so we can see your mahi in action first-hand.
Our current calendar means that the time to engage with our communities is limited ahead of our Grants Round, particularly as we grow, establish new relationships and fund a wider range of organisations. We also acknowledge that the festive period is often the busiest period for many for-purpose organisations, making engagement ahead of our Grants Round tough and adding additional pressure at an already busy time.
Wellbeing is paramount
Like the saying goes, “you have to put your own lifejacket on first.” At Nikau, we know how hard it can be working in the for-purpose sector. We get it and acknowledge the passion, expertise and tireless mahi it takes to effect positive change in our communities. Because of this, it is important that we give our team the opportunity to take a proper break over the festive period, so we can come back fresh for the year ahead.
Because of this, our financial year is changing.
Considering all these things, the Nikau Board have made the strategic decision to change our financial year to April 1 – March 31st from 2026, so we are better aligning with other organisations, have more opportunities to build meaningful relationships with our communities, and are arming ourselves with the tools to be the best possible kaitiaki for our communities.
So, what does this mean for your organisation?
Our contestable Grants Round is changing
Although applications for Nikau’s contestable Grants Round usually open in February, we will now be opening in July or August 2026 (we will be in touch next year to confirm this timing). You will still have the opportunity to secure funding from Nikau in 2026 – just a few months later than usual.
We will still be funding and are committed to supporting our communities throughout the 6-month period as we transition to the new financial year. However, this will not be via an open application round and will be at the discretion of our donors and Board.Refreshed resources
We acknowledge the challenges that are facing for-purpose organisations as the funding landscape continues to shift and we face economic uncertainty. Due to this, we have refreshed our online resources to make sure we provide the best possible information. This includes an updated list of other funders working across Te Upoko-o-te-Ika-a-Māui, the Greater Wellington region and Aotearoa New Zealand and links to helpful tools such as Fundsorter.
You can see these new-and-improved resources here.An overview of our funding
As a community foundation, we understand that our funding model is a little bit different from others. Due to this, we are planning a webinar to run through our model, how we work alongside our donors and our current eligibility criteria in more detail.
Although we will be in touch with a time in the new year, if there are any questions you’d specifically like answered, you are most welcome to get in touch or take a look at our FAQs.
Thank you for the incredible mahi you are doing every year to support and uplift our communities. It is a pleasure to work alongside you to create better outcomes for the people and places of our region.
We look forward to being in touch with you all mid-next year ahead of our Grants Round.
Ngā mihi manaakitanga,
The Nikau Foundation team
