Growing community giving
We connect generous people with the local causes they care about.
The Eastern Bay Community Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit charitable trust that helps people give back to the communities of Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne, and Kawerau in ways that are simple, effective, and enduring.
Our goal is to empower long-term, sustainable change across our region by making targeted local giving simple, informed, and accessible for individuals, families, and businesses.
Together, we're building a stronger future for the Eastern Bay, one gift at a time.
Sustainable fund management for long-term support to our community.
Our model is simple. Donations are invested, and the income they generate is used to support local causes across the Eastern Bay through distributions, grants and scholarships.
By carefully growing and protecting these funds over time, we create a lasting source of funding for our community. A gift made today can continue making a difference for years to come.
Whether you're an individual, family, business, or community group, we can help you support the causes that matter most to you and create a legacy of giving that stays local.
Impact and accountability
We believe generosity deserves transparency.
Every gift entrusted to the Eastern Bay Community Foundation is managed with care, invested for the long term, and distributed in line with the wishes of our donors. We are committed to sharing the impact of that generosity and ensuring it continues to benefit our communities for generations to come.
How we measure and share impact:
Annual impact reporting
Each year we publish an Impact Report that shares the difference local giving is making across the Eastern Bay, including grants, scholarships, community initiatives, and fund growth. View the 2026 report here, or contact us for a hard copy.
Grant recipient roundtables
Funding recipients are invited to participate in roundtable discussions where they share outcomes, lessons learned, and the impact of their projects. These conversations help us understand what is working, strengthen connections across the sector, and provide meaningful feedback to donors.
Strong governance and stewardship
As an accredited member of Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand, we operate under recognised standards of governance, accountability, and financial stewardship.
2025/26 Annual Impact Report
See how local generosity supported scholarships, grants, and community initiatives across the Eastern Bay this year.
Latest news and community stories
Give with confidence
As an accredited member of Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ, we're proud to be part of a nationwide network of trusted community foundations.
Accreditation provides assurance that we operate to high standards of governance and financial stewardship, so donors can feel confident their gifts will be managed responsibly and make a lasting difference in the Eastern Bay.
15 George Street, Whakatāne
PO Box 435, Whakatāne 3159
Email: support@ebcf.nz
Call: 021 336 226
