Applications open for 2026 Community Awards

Applications for the 2026 round of the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation Community Awards Programme are now being sought. The community awards are for groups, clubs, and organisations within the Foundation’s catchment area – from Taylors Mistake through to Mt Pleasant, around to Heathcote and across to Brookhaven – and are for sport, arts & culture, the environment, and education. They range in value up to $20,000.

We have heard from several sources that it’s getting harder for community groups to access community grants and awards, particularly in communities that are not considered to be an area of need,” said Chair Martin Hawes. “This contributed to the idea that this year a number of awards should be offered in each category.

Another contributing factor was the ongoing debate on the future of the Foundation. “Without a significant injection of capital, around half a million dollars, we lack the scale to make a significant long-term difference within our community. We explored several options for the Foundation’s future but after some robust debate the trustees have made the very hard decision not to offer the academic scholarships and the apprentice award this year, and to make 2026 the final round of community Awards.

The Sumner Ferrymead Foundation was established over 30 years ago with a grant from former Sumner resident Dora Grut. Over the years the Foundation has evolved from providing grants to individuals living within the catchment area, to the launch of the primary school Puawai Awards for year 8 students, to the Scholarships and Awards Programme for individuals and finally the Community Awards Programme. The latter was launched to recognise 30 years of service to the community and has been a great success.

The real value of the Community Awards lies in the benefit to the community rather than the individual” said Hawes. “The establishment of the academic scholarships and apprentice award enabled us to attract some loyal and generous sponsors, but we never managed to find that significant capital injection that would have ensured the Foundation’s future. I would like to recognise the work of current and former trustees, as well as the generosity of current and former sponsors and donors. They have enabled us to leave a legacy.

Application forms for the 2026 Community Awards Programme can be found on the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation Website www.sumnerferrymeadfoundation.co.nz. Applications close on March 31st, 2026