What We Fund
At the Len Reynolds Trust, our funding is strategic and focused on creating lasting, systemic change.
We invest in initiatives that align with our vision of a Waikato where all children and young people are secure, resilient, and thriving, and where the environment is protected for future generations. Our funding is designed to empower changemakers, support Māori-led solutions, and champion environmental and social equity.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for funding, your organisation must meet the following criteria:
Geographical Focus: Your project must benefit people living in the Waikato region, including areas such as Coromandel, Hamilton, Raglan, Tokoroa, Taumarunui, and everywhere in between.
Note: We may fund organisations based outside the Waikato where the work is at a systems level and will benefit the region.
Charity Status: Your organisation must be a registered charity under the Charities Act 2005. We may also consider organisations working under the umbrella of a registered charity, depending on the circumstances.
Our Funding Priorities
We prioritise initiatives that:
Support Māori-Led Solutions and Intergenerational Wellbeing
Projects led by Māori communities that address intergenerational wellbeing, ensuring solutions are sustainable and culturally grounded.Foster the Interconnectedness of Land and People
Initiatives that honour the sacred connection to Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), emphasising kaitiakitanga (stewardship) and supporting environmental sustainability.Fuel Changemakers and Movement Builders
Investing in people and communities driving environmental and social equity, through leadership development, capacity-building, and advocacy.Champion Disruptive Change
Projects that take bold stands on critical issues—especially where injustice or inequity exists—promoting transformative social and environmental justice.Promote Social Cohesion
Initiatives that foster inclusivity, challenge discrimination and hate speech, create safe spaces for dialogue, and bridge social, cultural, and economic divides.
Note: You do not need to be working in all of these areas to be eligible for funding.
Our Approach to Funding
We are a proactive funder, meaning we seek out organisations and initiatives that align with our strategic priorities. We do not operate open funding rounds or accept unsolicited applications.
However, if you believe your work aligns closely with our strategy, you’re welcome to reach out for a conversation. We value strong relationships and are always interested in learning about impactful mahi in the Waikato and beyond.
Examples of What We Fund
Here are some recent initiatives we’ve supported to give you a sense of our focus:
Movement Building: Operating expenses for a group of rangatahi Māori climate action champions.
Leadership Roles: A contribution to wages for the Living Wage coordinator role in the Waikato.
Youth Engagement: Funding to support rangatahi participation in democracy, including events to connect youth with local election candidates.
Systems Change Capacity: Support for projects that strengthen organisational capacity for systems change.
Research and Advocacy: A landscape review to identify who is working to promote social cohesion across Aotearoa.
To Apply Your Organisation Must be a Registered Charity
To apply, your organisation must be a registered charity under the Charities Act 2005. We can only provide grants to registered charities, so applications from umbrella organisations or unregistered groups cannot be accepted. The group seeking funding must hold registered charity status.
Application Process
We are a proactive funder which means we seek out funding opportunities in our focus areas. If you do think your work aligns with us, please do reach out for a conversation.
