PUBLISHED MAY 2026

A partnership built on potential

For more than a decade, a partnership between First Foundation and Auckland Foundation has quietly been opening doors for young Aucklanders who might otherwise have missed their chance at university. Now, through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, the two organisations have committed to deepening that work, and the numbers behind it are extraordinary.

Saniah Naim from Auckland Foundation with scholarship recipient Shafiah Selesele

A partnership that quietly transforms lives

Since 2011, Auckland Foundation has connected eight philanthropists, families and trusts with 53 talented students across Tāmaki Makaurau. Each of those students is often the first in their whānau to step into tertiary education — and someone who chose to back their own potential.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Each First Foundation scholarship costs $7,000 per year over four years. Research shows that for every dollar invested, society receives $39 in return over the scholar’s lifetime. For the 53 scholarships delivered through Auckland Foundation’s connections, that translates to an estimated $57.9 million in lifetime benefit to New Zealand communities.

Beyond financial assistance: why wrap-around support matters

Financial support alone doesn’t guarantee success. Students who receive only money for fees can arrive at university without the networks, guidance, or confidence to navigate a new environment. Without that support, even the most capable students can feel like they don’t belong. Some leave with debt but no qualification.

Since 1998, First Foundation has wrapped scholars in three pillars of support: financial assistance, dedicated mentoring from professionals who understand the university journey, and exposure to the world of work and professional connections.

“There is real beauty in partnering with an organisation that has the expertise and infrastructure to deliver wrap-around support while we focus on connecting generous Aucklanders with causes that matter to them.”

Melody Mobsby, CEO of Auckland Foundation

Auckland Foundation scholars transition from talented scholars to university graduates over 4 years

Complementary strengths, shared purpose

Community Foundations like Auckland Foundation are nimble organisations designed to connect donors with local causes. They excel at understanding what matters to their philanthropic community. But managing the complex requirements of scholarship programmes, from student selection to ongoing support to regular reporting back to donors, requires specialised capability.

First Foundation brings that capability. They identify academically talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds, match them with mentors, provide pastoral care throughout their studies, and create pathways into professional careers.

The partnership means that when philanthropists approach Auckland Foundation wanting to support education, the foundation can offer them a proven pathway. First Foundation handles the selection, support, and reporting. Auckland Foundation maintains the donor relationship and ensures their philanthropic vision is realised.

“We’re not just changing individual lives. We’re backing potential and that ripples out through whānau, communities and future generations.”

Kirk Sargent, CEO of First Foundation

A model for scaling impact across Aotearoa

The formalisation of this partnership comes at a pivotal moment. First Foundation is working towards supporting 2,000 scholars by 2030, a goal that will require new partnerships and innovative approaches to funding.

Community Foundations represent a largely untapped opportunity. There are 17 Community Foundations across New Zealand, collectively managing $315 million in funds. As New Zealand experiences the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in its history, community foundations are positioned to channel some of that wealth towards long-term community benefit.

This partnership is an example of what becomes possible when community foundations connect generous donors with the right expertise to deliver lasting impact.

Some of the 53 Auckland Foundation scholars supported through First Foundation over the past decade.

Part of something bigger

Auckland Foundation is part of Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand, a nationwide network growing long-term giving across Aotearoa. This partnership is an example of what becomes possible when community foundations connect generous donors with the right expertise to deliver lasting impact

Back the next generation

For the 53 scholars who have already benefited from this partnership, the impact is deeply personal. Many are the first in their families to attend university. Today they are building careers in medicine, law, engineering, and business, contributing to their communities and, in many cases, returning as mentors themselves.

To find out more about supporting young Aucklanders through the First Foundation and Auckland Foundation partnership, get in touch with us at silvana.fares@firstfoundation.org.nz.

Find out more about First Foundation in our Investment Prospectus.