Introduction
The Toi Foundation is a philanthropic community trust based in Taranaki, New Zealand, established in 1988 as the TSB Community Trust and rebranded to its current name in 2021 to reflect its broader purpose and strategic focus. As a not-for-profit foundation, Toi Foundation invests in people, communities, and initiatives that aim to build a thriving, inclusive, and equitable Taranaki region.
Founded with the mission to strengthen local wellbeing and drive lasting positive change, the foundation has become a central philanthropic organisation in the region, directing significant funds to community projects, capacity building, and strategic initiatives aligned with community priorities.
History and Background
Origin and Growth
Toi Foundation began as the TSB Community Trust in 1988, originally funded from assets tied to TSB Bank Ltd. Over time, the foundation expanded its financial base, notably growing its shareholding in Fisher Funds Management Ltd in 2015, which helped increase its income and capacity to support community investment.
Over more than 35 years, the foundation has contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to initiatives that benefit Taranaki’s people, environment, culture, and civic life. Its evolution from a traditional grant-maker to a strategic community partner reflects an expanding role in addressing complex social issues and building capacity within the region.
Mission and Purpose
Core Goals
The core purpose of the Toi Foundation is to support communities to build a thriving, inclusive, and equitable Taranaki, with a focus on long-term, transformational outcomes. It does so by investing philanthropically and strategically in areas where funding can drive meaningful change.
Toi Foundation emphasizes values such as collaboration, focus, integrity, and innovation, which guide how funding decisions are made and how it engages with local partners.
Governance and Structure
Organisational Structure
As a charitable trust, Toi Foundation operates under a formal Trust Deed that governs how it applies its income and assets. Its governance structure includes trustees and management responsible for maintaining strategic direction, overseeing grantmaking operations, and ensuring alignment with community needs and its purpose.
The organisation has developed from a basic funder into a philanthropic partner that actively works alongside community organisations and iwi (Māori tribes) to achieve systemic, long-term outcomes.
Funding and Grants
Funding Approach
Toi Foundation uses a strategic grant-making model to channel funding where it will have the most impact. Its income is derived from investment returns on key assets such as its shareholding in TSB Bank and Fisher Funds, providing a stable financial base for annual grant programmes.
Types of Grants and Investment
- Strengthening Community Fund: Grants for not-for-profit organisations, including annual, capital, programme, event, and individual grants.
- Strategic Fund: Funds long-term partnerships and initiatives that align with the foundation’s priority focus areas.
- Innovation Fund: Supports new and scalable ideas with high potential for social impact.
- Investing for Impact Fund: Allocates investments that generate social, environmental, and financial returns.
- Te Aho Poutiaki Fund: A participatory philanthropy initiative that puts communities at the centre of decision-making.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Strategic Focus Areas
- Improved Environment: Supporting ecological restoration, climate action, and sustainable practices.
- Child and Youth Wellbeing: Enhancing opportunities for health, education, and cultural development of young people.
- Empowering Māori Aspiration (Rangatiratanga): Funding initiatives led by Māori communities and reinforcing intergenerational wellbeing.
- Increased Access to Opportunities: Strengthening community cohesion and broadening participation in opportunities that enhance quality of life.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Community Transformation
- Environmental initiatives like Sustainable Taranaki programmes and predator control projects that preserve local biodiversity and encourage sustainable practices.
- Wellbeing and cultural vibrancy through support for surfing events and community clubs that foster social engagement and inclusion.
- Educational enhancements, including grants aiding schools and organisations in improving access to learning resources for children.
- Wellness initiatives such as Building Wellness Taranaki, which promotes mental health support in the construction sector and beyond.
Conclusion
The Toi Foundation stands as a leading philanthropic force in Taranaki, combining strategic funding, innovative partnerships, and community-centred investment to tackle complex social challenges and support sustainable development. With decades of funding impact and an evolving strategic approach, the foundation continues to help create thriving, equitable communities for present and future generations
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