The Eastern Bay Women’s Impact Fund celebrated a record-breaking year at its high tea and fund reveal event held recently at the Whakatāne Surf Life Saving Club in Ōhope, where donors, trustees and supporters gathered to celebrate the power of collective giving.

Attendees heard that the fund had reached $54,800 during the event, before a few last-minute donations pushed the total to an impressive $56,000 overnight – the largest funding pool raised since the fund was established by the Eastern Bay Community Foundation in 2021.

The fund is based on a simple but powerful idea: many women contributing a little can collectively create significant and lasting impact.

Through the giving circle model, members pool their donations to award at least one substantial annual grant to an innovative project that improves outcomes for women and children across the Eastern Bay.

Foundation manager Angela Jackson said the growing support for the fund demonstrates the community’s commitment to backing meaningful local change.

“To reach a record $56,000 is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the generosity of women throughout our region.

“Every contribution matters, and together our members are creating opportunities that would not be possible individually.”

Expressions of interest are now being taken for this year’s Women’s Impact Fund grant via the Eastern Bay Community Foundation website www.ebcf.nz/apply.

Following the application period, which closes on August 15, a shortlist of projects will be selected and invited to present directly to fund members, who will then decide where the funding is awarded.

Since its inception, the fund has continued to grow in membership and impact, proving that collective philanthropy can be a powerful force for positive change in the Eastern Bay community.

Previous recipients of the grant have included Whanau Awhina Plunket, Riding for the Disabled, Wahine On The Move and Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support.