BayTrust is a Bay of Plenty place-based funder that backs bold, practical initiatives that improve community wellbeing, strengthen Māori outcomes, and help the environment and local places flourish. It gives through a mix of relatively accessible monthly community grants, larger quarterly strategic grants, collaborative event funds, and impact investments—especially in housing, social enterprise, and community-led infrastructure. The strongest signals in its portfolio are affordable and community housing, kaupapa Māori and cultural events, and partnerships that can show measurable regional impact.
Focus Areas
Affordable and Community HousingKaupapa Māori and Māoritanga EventsCommunity Wellbeing and ParticipationEnvironmental Stewardship and KaitiakitangaSocial Enterprise and Employment PathwaysPlace-Based Bay of Plenty Initiatives
Giving Approach
A mix of monthly small-to-medium grants (up to $50k), quarterly strategic grants ($50k-$250k+), and partner-administered event funds, plus impact investments ranging from $50k to multi-million-dollar commitments. BayTrust favors Bay of Plenty projects, often works collaboratively with local partners, and supports both community grants and investment-style capital for ventures with measurable social/environmental impact.
Want a Personalized Pitch for BayTrust?
Sign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits this funder, get an AI-generated pitch, and unlock similar foundations.
Weekly grant intelligence for social impact leaders. Curated opportunities, funding trends, and strategic insights — free.
Join 500+ social impact leaders. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy
Weekly grant intelligence in your inbox. No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
How to approach this funder
Match your request to the right pathway: monthly community support for smaller community/event needs, quarterly strategic funding for larger or partnership projects, and the impact investing programs for housing or social enterprise ventures. For events, check the annual/seasonal open dates and apply early through the relevant partner/SmartyGrants process; for strategic funding, contact BayTrust staff before applying and be ready to show measurable Bay of Plenty benefit and collaboration potential.
Notable grantees:
• Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund (BOP HEF)
• Tauranga Community Housing Trust
• YouOwn
• Purpose Capital
• Centre for Social Impact
Open Grant Opportunities
Current and upcoming funding from BayTrust that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Open nowCloses Oct 13, 2026Award: Events up to $15,000 maximum
Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund
Community eventsParticipation and inclusionArts, culture and heritage+2 more
Who can apply: Events must be community-driven, enrich communities through active participation and inclusion, and align with at least one fund priority. Preference is given to accessible free or low-cost events, events with widespread appeal, cultural or historical significance, local volunteers, and diverse income streams.
Strategic community projectsCollaborative partnershipsCommunity wellbeing+4 more
Who can apply: Applicants must be formally constituted not-for-profit organisations serving Bay of Plenty communities and proposing work aligned with BayTrust priorities. Projects should be strategic, collaborative and capable of demonstrating measurable impact. Matched funds are desirable, but BayTrust may fund more than 50% of activity costs. Applicants generally need to discuss eligibility and readiness with BayTrust staff before applying. A different project may be considered if the organisation has received or applied for BayTrust funding within the previous 12 months.
Deadline: Considered quarterly; contact BayTrust at least three to six months before funds are needed.
Kaitiakitanga and environmental initiativesCommunity wellbeingTū Māori Mai+3 more
Who can apply: Applicants must be formally constituted not-for-profit organisations serving one or more Bay of Plenty communities, such as charitable trusts, incorporated societies, or limited liability companies with charitable status. The work must align with at least one BayTrust priority. Applicants must provide a budget, bank-account verification and recent financial accounts, have at least 50% of total project costs raised or being raised, and must not use funds for political or ideological purposes, travel, accommodation, uniforms, endowments, debt repayment or retrospective costs. Individuals and informal organisations are not eligible. BayTrust generally funds no more than 50% of total costs.
Deadline: Considered monthly; apply at least three months before funds are needed.
Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: applications up to $50,000
Monthly Community Support (BayTrust)
Community wellbeingKaitiakitangaTū Māori Mai+2 more
Who can apply: Formally constituted, not-for-profit organisations serving Bay of Plenty communities; must align with BayTrust priorities; provide budget, bank verification and last year financial accounts (organisations under one year old exempt from financials).
Deadline: Considered monthly; no single fixed deadline (monthly cycles).
Kaupapa Māori Event Fund (administered on behalf of partners)
Tū Māori MaiCultural eventsCommunity wellbeing
Who can apply: Be driven by or partnered with iwi/hapū in Tauranga City area; run by a not-for-profit; operating at least one year in Tauranga Moana; deliver tangible community and tangata whenua benefits; must include endorsement from iwi/hapū leadership.
Deadline: Applications for 2025–2026 open 1 July (administered annually via SmartyGrants).
Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.