Fund chairwoman Rachel Afeaki said the two not-for-profit organisations were nominated for grants due to the transformational nature of the strength-based support they offer to women and girls.
"The generous ongoing support of the Women's Fund membership, even during a global pandemic, demonstrates our commitment to ensuring women and girls can pursue their potential throughout the Waikato," says Rachel.
"The Women's Fund Board recognised Flourish Leadership Development for Ethnic Women and Te Hinatore as both significantly contributing to our communities, offering programmes that equip women and girls with knowledge and provide them with mental health and wellbeing support.
"Considering it's been a tough year all round due to Covid-19, it's humbling to see our fund grow over the last 12 months, which has allowed our membership and supporters to distribute grants to these two outstanding initiatives."
Te Ira Waahine o Waikato - The Waikato Women's Fund is a giving circle, or 'fundraising club', operating under the umbrella of Momentum Waikato Community Foundation's regional endowment, with the resulting investment income being granted to local community groups based on a membership vote.
Since its establishment in July 2018, the Women's Fund has grown its membership to 144 donors and its capital to over $151,000. Last year's grant round gave $6000 each to Poutama Rites of Passage Trust in Raglan and Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust in Port Waikato for their rural literacy and teen mentoring programmes for women and girls.
