Backing Local Impact: Bupa supports Grassroots Health & Sustainability Projects

This year’s grants are part of the Bupa Foundation’s ongoing commitment to local communities which has seen more than NZD$2.8 million in funding provided to grass-roots organisations across Australia and New Zealand since 2019.

Michael Burgess, Bupa’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, said the Community Grants Program empowers local groups to deliver meaningful, grassroots initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealand communities.

“When you pair financial support with the passion, insight, and dedication of local community groups, the results can be transformative. Supporting these organisations is a key part of Bupa’s ambition to support healthier people and planet.

The full list of 2025 Bupa Foundation Community Grant recipients are as follows:

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rotorua: Its Big Brothers Big Sisters program will provide one-to-one mentoring for children facing barriers and experiencing adversity.
• Dogwatch Sanctuary Trust: Its initiative will support vulnerable people keep their dogs through essential support and pet care assistance.
• Endangered Species Foundation: Its Embrace a Stream project combines hands-on stream restoration with education and community connection to improve the health of waterways and the wellbeing of people.
• First Foundation: Its Exposure to the World of Work programme will impact 330 students to reach their full potential through mentoring and career development opportunities.
• Louise Perkins Foundation: ‘Sweet Louise’ offers a unique service dedicated to supporting people living with advanced breast cancer.
• Manuku Beautification Trust: Its Boomer Shed project provides community benefits by fostering social connection and supporting local groups. It offers a welcoming space to build friendships and reduce social isolation. 
• Resport Charitable Trust: Works to reduce the volume of sports gear and textiles entering landfill by giving them a second or third life.
• Skylight Trust: Its Tai Oranga program will provide essential psychoeducation to children aged 7–9, equipping them with emotional regulation tools to manage change and challenges in their lives.
• University of Auckland: Its project aims to explore how gardening can facilitate intergenerational social connections to build mentally healthy and resilient communities.
• Upper Waitemata Ecology Network: Will lead an urban regeneration project that uses bioorganic and regenerative agricultural practices.
• Waipuna Hospice: Will implement the "My Everyday Wellbeing", a world leading digital platform supporting the mental and emotional well-being of its staff and their families.

Along with the Community Grants Program, the Bupa supports a range of major initiatives across New Zealand through major partnerships with organisations such as New Zealand Landcare Trust, Paralympics New Zealand, All Blacks and Black Ferns.