First Foundation

Too many clever young Kiwis face overwhelming barriers just trying to access tertiary education and achieve their goals.

First Foundation supports academically talented rangatahi from low-income households to break the cycle of disadvantage and realise their full education and employment potential. Through mentoring, financial assistance, and exposure to the world of work, we open doors to opportunity and possibility, empowering young people to rewrite their futures and inspiring the next generation to dream even bigger.

Over the past 26 years, our four-year programme has transformed the lives of more than 1000 young people. Each year, more and more students apply to First Foundation, with 172 rangatahi currently on the waitlist to join the programme in 2026.

Each of them bursting with ambition and dreams for their futures. Dreams of attending university, expanding their knowledge, and making a difference. Dreams that are anything but guaranteed when you’re the first in your family to pursue tertiary education, and money is as scarce as the opportunities in front of you.

Low-income families and the young people we work with are feeling the cost-of-living crisis more than many, with the average household income in 2024 less than $62,000 for a family of 5.

Intelligent and ambitious young people come from all backgrounds, but not all are given the same opportunities to succeed. This perpetuates the cycle of disadvantage and can be a poverty trap for individuals and their communities.

First Foundation receives no government funding; instead, we rely on support from generous people, like you. Your support helps every facet of the programme and is vital to the success of First Foundation and the future leaders of Aotearoa.

Together, we can help to break the cycle.

Ngā mihi nui!