In 1998, the three inaugural scholarships were awarded in Auckland. Founder's Message

Level 2, The Parenting Centre, 300 Great South Road, Greenlane Auckland

Details

To date, First Foundation has awarded standard scholarships in our core areas of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Whangarei, Dunedin and also special scholarships in Levin and Rotorua.

We work with 52 low decile schools throughout the country, each of whom are invited to nominate a select number of students for the programme based on criteria such as academic results and leadership potential. The nominated students then apply to First Foundation for the opportunity to be interviewed for a scholarship.

Our Partnering Schools

A First Foundation scholarship is based on a three tier support model. Each Scholar has Scholarship Partner who contributes $12,000 towards tertiary fees and provides enough work experience for the Scholar to meet their savings contribution of $1,200 pa for years one, two and three. First Foundation also matches each Scholar with a personal Mentor for the duration of the scholarship and provides internal support and training for both the Scholar and Mentor. Each scholarship lasts for 4 years.

A hand up

Scholars study at undergraduate degree level at one of the 8 universities in New Zealand.

First Foundation scholarships are funded either by a corporate sponsor (Scholarship Partner) or privately through a Group. Each scholarship costs a tax deductible donation of $20,000 over the four year duration of the scholarship plus with Scholarship Partners there is also a work experience component to be provided. With private (Group Supporters) scholarships First Foundation organises the work experience on your behalf.

Scholarship Partners

Group Supporters

Mentors are partnered with Scholars for the 4 year duration of the scholarship. Our Mentors come from all walks of life but generally are required to have a tertiary level of qualification plus sufficient life experience. For that reason we request our Mentors be at least 25 years old. Mentors apply to First Foundation before undergoing a rigorous selection and training process before being matched with a Scholar.

Becoming a Mentor

Part of the $20,000 donation for each scholarship goes to First Foundation to help administer and develop the programme. The remaining 'funding gap' is funded through the extremely generous support provided by funding organisations.  

First Foundation is also truly humbled by the level of generous support our organisation receives from our Capability Partners.

Capability Partners