This month, the Simplicity Foundation reached a major milestone - reaching over $10 million in total donations. In the March 2025 funding round alone, the Foundation distributed $475,500 to 11 organisations supporting youth development, education, and environmental restoration across New Zealand.

Find out more about the impact of the Foundation to date here.


Youth development
Supporting the next generation remains a key priority, with the majority of funding directed to youth-focused programmes.

Student Volunteer Army received $75,000 for the fifth year of its Service Award programme, which recognises and encourages youth volunteerism.

Outward Bound was awarded another $70,000 for its Whakatipu programme, supporting South Auckland students through a life-changing Outward Bound experience and a six-month career development programme with the Manukau Chamber of Commerce.

NZ Red Cross received $75,000 to support its Refugee Youth Resettlement Programme, helping young people build new lives in Aotearoa.

Hillary Outdoors was granted $50,000 for the Hillary Steps Scholarship, providing young people with access to outdoor education and personal development.

Genesis Youth Trust received $50,000 to support at-risk rangatahi in South Auckland, helping reduce recidivism and guide them into employment pathways.

Leadership Lab was awarded $25,000 for the Puāwai Leadership programme, empowering diverse rangatahi who have experienced discrimination.

Upside Youth Mentoring received $15,000 as a final contribution to its youth mentorship partnership programme.

Education
This round also included support for programmes improving educational outcomes and financial literacy for young people. 

Great Potentials Foundation was granted $25,000 to support Senior MATES, an in-school mentoring programme helping students with academic achievement and personal development.

Kiko Innovation received $25,000 to expand its Rerekohu Financial Empowerment Initiative on the East Coast, equipping students with practical money skills.

Staples Education Trust was granted $12,000 to provide scholarships to university students from underserved backgrounds.

Environment

Trees That Count received $52,500 for the next tranche of 7,500 native trees, supporting community planting projects across the country and helping restore native ecosystems.

Through this round of funding, the Simplicity Foundation continues to invest in initiatives that build a better future - for people and the planet. 



Photos: Genesis Youth Trust, Outward Bound, Red Cross NZ, Hillary Outdoor, Staples Education Trust and Trees That Count.