Give talented young Kiwis a brighter future
Many highly capable students are held back by their socio-economic status.
With your help, we can change that.
Give talented young Kiwis a brighter future
Many highly-capable students are held back by their socioeconomic status. With your help, we can change that.
What’s happening now
DON’T WAIT FOR AN OPPORTUNITY – FIND IT AND MAKE IT YOURS
‘First Foundation gave me an opportunity of a lifetime. Through my journey, I flourished through my career and achieved the goals that I dreamt about from my hospital bed.’
First Foundation’s 2020 Annual Report
What’s happening now
FIRST FOUNDATION’S 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Our 2020 Annual Report shows the power of what we can do together. We hope you enjoy reading our stories, seeing our impact and meeting some of our bright young scholars.
Don’t wait for an opportunity – find it and make it yours
‘First Foundation gave me an opportunity of a lifetime. Through my journey, I flourished through my career and achieved the goals that I dreamt about from my hospital bed.’
Every young Kiwi should have the
same chance to succeed
With your help, First Foundation supports bright young Kiwis whose
circumstances make it harder to attend university – giving them
financial assistance, paid work experience
and a dedicated mentor.
Our four-year programme helps these talented New Zealanders* navigate from school, through higher education and into a meaningful career. This dramatically improves each student’s opportunities in life, giving them the support and professional networks many of us take for granted.
*Each student is sponsored by an organisation, called a scholarship partner, who provides $22,000 over four years.
Financial help
Of the $22,000, $12,000 goes directly towards students university-related costs. This removes the burden of a big student loan, making it easier to attend university.
Mentoring
We match students with a dedicated
mentor, who helps them overcome
challenges and transition from school
to university, and into the
professional world.
Work experience
Scholars get at least four weeks of paid
work experience each year, growing
their skills and professional networks
while supporting them financially.
Every young Kiwi should have the same chance to succeed
With your help, First Foundation supports bright young Kiwis whose circumstances make it harder to attend university – giving them financial assistance, paid work experience and a dedicated mentor.
Financial help
Each student is sponsored by an organisation, called a scholarship partner, who provides $12,000 over three years towards university costs.
Mentoring
We match students with a dedicated mentor, who helps them overcome challenges and transition from school to university, and into the professional world.
Work experience
Scholars get at least four weeks of paid work experience each year, growing their skills and professional networks while supporting them financially.
“I couldn't be more grateful”
SAM HUGHES, 2008 FONTERRA SCHOLAR
“I’m excited about the next generation!”
MARTIN LA’A, 2005 SPARK SCHOLAR
"I never really thought about my purpose and what I wanted to do.”
TALIOAIGA LUAMANUVAE, DICK AND DIANA HUBBARD FOUNDATION SCHOLAR
Exponential impact
Your support doesn’t only help students – it has powerful and
lasting benefits for their whānau and community.
Young people in our programme are often first in their family to attend university, and become a positive influence on their whānau and communities for generations to come. Many use their improved finances to help support their parents, siblings or wider whānau, creating a ripple effect throughout all their lives.
Exponential impact
Your support doesn’t only help students – it has powerful and lasting benefits for their whānau and community.
“My whānau is forever changed”
I’m in a financially stable position and have
enabled my mum to retire early. I support
her, which has taken the burden off my
siblings who have families of their own. We
are on track to buy our first family home.”
MARTIN LA’A, 2005 SPARK SCHOLAR
“My whānau is forever changed”
I’m in a financially stable position and have enabled my mum to retire early. I support her, which has taken the burden off my siblings who have families of their own. We are on track to buy our first family home.”
MARTIN LA’A, 2005 SPARK SCHOLAR
Stay in touch
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Stay in touch
Sign up to our newsletter to get inspiring stories about our scholars, event invitations and news from First Foundation. Thanks for your support.
What would you like to do?
Apply for a scholarship
Thrive at university with financial support, paid work experience and valuable one-on-one mentoring.
Give financial support
Provide vital support to deserving young Kiwis and help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Offer work experience
Grow a capable student’s skills, opportunities and professional networks with paid work experience.
Mentor a student
Become a mentor to help a talented student from a disadvantaged background reach their potential.
Meet our alumni
Our alumni are trailblazers who make the most of every opportunity. Read their inspiring stories.
What would you like to do?
Apply for a scholarship
Thrive at university with financial support, paid work experience and valuable one-on-one mentoring.
Give financial support
Provide vital support to deserving young Kiwis and help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Offer work experience
Grow a capable student’s skills, opportunities and professional networks with paid work experience.
Mentor a student
Become a mentor to help a talented student from a disadvantaged background reach their potential.
Meet our alumni
Our alumni are trailblazers who make the most of every opportunity. Read their inspiring stories.