After completing a strategic review, the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation has a new focus. “We have made the decision to offer a range of scholarships and awards for both community groups and individuals on an annual basis, rather than responding to requests for financial assistance on an ad hoc basis” said the Chair, Martin Hawes. “When the Foundation started 30 years ago, we only responded to requests for financial assistance. But, in a changing world and in a changing community we have needed to change too.

The first step was to introduce the Primary Schools’ Puawai Award and the Scholarships & Awards Programme five years ago. Then last year the Community Awards Programme was introduced, which generated a lot of interest. Following the review of the Foundation’s income and disbursements it became apparent that finding sponsors for individual scholarships and awards was a more effective way to obtain funds to help the local community as opposed to looking for untied grants. In a time when it’s hard to get funding and its equally as hard to find new trustees who have the energy and time to ‘roll up their sleeves,’ it made sense to find the most cost-effective and time-effective way for the Foundation to operate.

With increasing awareness of the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation due to the proactive programmes the number of requests for financial assistance grew, which presented a problem: how best to decide who was most worthy of the funds. “In many ways it’s a nice problem to have,” said Treasurer Max Mathias. “However, because of the socio-economic demographics of the catchment area of the Foundation we knew many of the applicants would still be able to pursue their dreams without our support. So, to have an annual proactive programme that supports individuals in both their academic and sporting endeavours, and community groups across a wide range of interests, made more sense than having a reactive approach to requests for assistance.

Come January 2025, applications for the individual and community scholarships and awards will be sought. Last year the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation funded the inaugural Community Awards programme, but for the next round they are looking for sponsors who would like to help their local community. In particular, sponsors are sought for:

• $5000 Environment Award
• $5000 Sports Award
• $5000 Education Award
• $5000 Arts & Culture Award
• $10,000 Major Award

If you would like to support the work of the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation, please contact them via their website www.sumnerferrymeadfoundation.co.nz or by phoning the Martin Hawes (021 222 2737) or Max Mathias (021 433473)