Foundation North — formerly known as ASB Community Trust — is the largest philanthropic foundation in Auckland and Northland, and one of New Zealand's most significant grant-making institutions. With assets over $1 billion, Foundation North distributes more than $60 million annually to community organisations across the Auckland and Northland regions. For community organisations in these regions, Foundation North is among the most important and most accessed funders.
Foundation North was established in 1988 when the Auckland Savings Bank was merged with the ASB Bank and privatised. The accumulated community capital was transferred to the Trust as a charitable endowment — permanently dedicated to the benefit of communities in Auckland and Northland.
The Trust is governed by an independent board of trustees, elected by the community. This democratic governance structure is distinctive — trustees are not appointed by government or by any commercial entity, but elected by and accountable to the community the Trust serves.
As an endowment trust, Foundation North distributes investment returns rather than principal — ensuring the capital base remains intact for future generations. This creates a genuinely permanent philanthropic institution.
Foundation North operates multiple grant programmes addressing different needs:
Open Grants
The Open Grants programme is Foundation North's most accessible programme — accepting applications from eligible community organisations for projects across all sectors: community, health, arts, environment, sport, education, and more.
Open Grants are available in two tiers:
- Grants up to $10,000: straightforward applications for smaller community projects
- Grants over $10,000: more detailed applications for larger projects; may include site visits
Community Wellbeing Grants
Community Wellbeing Grants support organisations working with communities facing challenges — including organisations serving Māori and Pacific communities, low-income communities, and people facing disadvantage.
Toi Ora Live Well Create Well
Toi Ora is a mental health and arts programme — developed by Foundation North in partnership with community organisations — that uses arts activities to support mental wellbeing. Foundation North funds Toi Ora activities at registered providers across Auckland.
Strategic Programmes
Foundation North develops strategic investment programmes focused on specific community challenges. Current and recent strategic programmes have included:
- Rangatahi (young people) wellbeing: investment in programmes supporting young people aged 12-24
- Māori wellbeing: investment in Kaupapa Māori approaches to community development
- Housing: investment in affordable housing and housing support services
Strategic programmes involve multi-year investments and proactive partnership with Foundation North, rather than standard grant applications.
To receive a Foundation North grant, your organisation must:
- Be a registered charity (with Charities Services) OR an incorporated society
- Serve communities in the Auckland or Northland regions
- Have charitable, community, or similar non-profit purposes
- Not be a government agency (though some government-linked entities may be eligible)
For-profit businesses, individuals, and overseas-based organisations cannot receive Foundation North grants.
Online application
Foundation North applications are submitted through the Foundation North online portal. Create an account for your organisation, complete the eligibility check, and begin your application.
Pre-application contact
Foundation North encourages potential applicants to contact them before applying — particularly for larger grants or strategic partnership enquiries. Programme staff can advise on fit, suggest relevant programme streams, and help you frame your application effectively.
Application content
Applications typically require:
- Organisation profile and governance information
- Recent financial statements
- Description of the project and community need
- Project plan and timeline
- Budget (total project cost and Foundation North funding request)
- Evidence of community support or co-investment
Assessment and decisions
Smaller grants (under $10,000) are typically assessed and decided within 6-8 weeks. Larger grants take longer, may involve site visits, and are considered by programme committees.
Foundation North regularly reviews and communicates its strategic priorities. Currently, these include:
- Supporting Māori and Pacific communities to thrive
- Wellbeing of rangatahi (young people)
- Community resilience and connection
- Environmental sustainability
Applications that explicitly connect to these priorities — with evidence of alignment — are more competitive than generic community benefit applications.
Contact programme staff first: A brief conversation with a Foundation North programme officer before applying can confirm fit and improve application quality. This is particularly valuable for larger grants and first-time applicants.
Demonstrate community need with evidence: Assertions that need exists are less convincing than evidence — statistics, community consultation, service data. Foundation North has sophisticated programme staff who assess many applications; evidence-based need statements stand out.
Be realistic about budget: Foundation North has extensive experience with project costs in the Auckland and Northland regions. Budgets that are clearly unrealistic — too cheap or too expensive — undermine application credibility.
Describe outcomes, not just activities: Foundation North wants to fund impact, not just activity. Describe what will change — for whom, how, and how you'll know.
Tahua's grants management platform helps Auckland and Northland community organisations manage their Foundation North applications alongside their other grants — with application tracking, deadline management, and the relationship tools that support their most important funder relationships.