Impact100's record year
Impact100 Wakatipu members have put forward a record grant pool of $209,000 for 2025, bringing the organisation’s cumulative total to more $1.1 million.
The organisation hit the major milestone after only six years of collective giving by local women.
Chairperson Clare Irons says the continued growth in funding reflects the shared vision of the women of the Whakatipu to create long-term, transformational change.
“We’re incredibly proud of the diverse community of women who make this happen each year. Reaching the $1.1 million mark in just six years shows how powerful collective giving can be—and how committed our supporters are to strengthening our region.”
Impact100 Wakatipu recently announced its new Mission, Vision and Values, which sharpen the chapter’s focus and better reflect the local context and aspirations of its members.
The vision is 'Women working together to secure a thriving Whakatipu Basin for all who choose to call it home', while the mission is 'Impact100 is a catalyst for good; we help fuel organisations with high-impact solutions for our community’s most critical needs'.
Alongside this refreshed direction is an expanded granting focus. In 2026, charitable organisations are invited to apply for funding for either transformational projects or for capacity-building support which will enable an expansion of their organisation’s mission-based services to scale-up their impact.
“We’ve listened closely to the needs of local charities,” Irons says. “Some need funding for major, one-off projects, while others need help strengthening their foundations to scale up their impact. We’re excited to support both.”
What hasn’t changed is the core model of $100,000 grants.
“We are thrilled to offer two $100,000 grants this year, and the balance will be divided between the finalist charities,” Jennifer Belmont, CE of Wakatipu Community Foundation, the parent charity that supports Impact100 Wakatipu, says.
Expressions of Interest Now Open
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the 2026 funding round open on May 21 and close on June 18. Eligible charities are encouraged to apply through the Impact100 Wakatipu website.
A virtual event to explain the application process and the new criteria will be held at 10am, Tuesday 27 May. Charities can register for the event on the Impact100 events page on the website.
For more information or to submit an EOI, visit: www.impact100wakatipu.org
