It was a busy first quarter for the Simplicity Foundation, which made donations totalling $375,000 to charities across the country.

Over half of the funding went to charities running long-term youth development programmes that support: youth mentoring, employability and work transition, and volunteering and civic engagement. While the remaining funds supported organisations focused on the environment, education, homelessness and community support.

Student Volunteer Army ($75,000): The Simplicity Foundation has been a key supporter of the Service Award programme since 2020.The purpose of SVA’s Service Award programme is to promote volunteering and its intrinsic benefits to school students, as well as provide a platform to record volunteer hours and work towards Service Award badges. The programme is now operating in 293 NZ secondary schools around the country.

Trees that Count ($70,000): Tree planting is part of the Foundation’s efforts to support biodiversity and conservation projects around NZ. To date they have funded the planting of 156,063 native trees and this latest donation will bring the running total up to 166,063. This includes trees funded through Simplicity Living’s new tree planting programme.

Outward Bound - Whakatipu Programme ($50,000): The donation will support scholarships for this 8 day programme focussed on work readiness in rangatahi through acquisition of soft-skills, such as problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, and communication. For 14 Auckland-based students this will be followed by a 6 month mentoring programme in collaboration with the Auckland Business Chamber.

Hillary Outdoors ($25,000): Providing access to life-changing experiences, Hillary Outdoors, fosters resilience, leadership, and environmental stewardship among young people. The Step Scholarships programme provides financial support to young people, who would otherwise not be able to attend Hillary Outdoors programmes.

Upside Mentoring ($25,000): Upside Mentoring's Partnership Programme is a service the provides local youth development organisations (‘Partners’) with a best practice mentoring programme including all collateral, IT systems, training, health and safety and on-going operational support.

Consumer NZ ($25,000): Everyone should have access to independent consumer information and advice. The Utua Atu programme, via local social agencies, has so far provided 700 memberships to vulnerable consumers giving them free access to all Consumer's tools, reviews, guidance and advisory services.

House of Science South Auckland Branch ($25,000): House of Science is expanding access to quality science education and nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators at schools in South Auckland.

Orange Sky ($25,000):  As well as providing essential services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness, Orange Sky promotes dignity and well-being, and fosters community cohesion. A second donation will contribute to the purchase of a van as the organisation expands into Hawkes Bay area.

The Loft ($25,000):  The Foundation has provided some further support to the Loft's Social Emergency Response Service, which provides a lifeline to individuals and families in crisis, allowing them to access holistic support and guidance during challenging times.