• The award is available to any person over the age of 13 years, with a disability living in the Western Bay of Plenty or Eastern Bay of Plenty.
• While the award is intended primarily for individuals, small groups (such as duets, trios, or quartets) will be considered eligible in applying for a common project or objective.

We don’t want to have strict limitations; we want to know about your idea. We want you to think boldly, to be daring and courageous in achieving your best life.

 

Some ideas that you could use the funding for (but not limited to):

• Starting a micro-business
• Writing a book
• Record a song/album
• Scale a mountaintop
• Photograph some of New Zealand’s best scenery
• Conquer some of NZ’s best outdoor challenges, such as walking the Tongariro Crossing, kayaking the Able Tasman etc.
• Or you may have a great idea on how to make a difference in your life or the lives of others

2025 is the first year of the Momenta Live the Life You Love Award and will have a fund of $10,000 available.

You can apply for the full fund or a partial amount.

Applications open on 10 April 2025. Applications can be in any format that works for you; in writing, in a voice recording or send us a video. All you need to do is make sure your application fits all of the criteria below, and answers all of the questions asked; it makes the assessment process that much easier!

 

All applications need to be submitted through the Acorn Foundation’s online portal. To apply you need to:

Step 1 – Register yourself as an individual online. This information will include your contact details and bank account details. Register HERE. 

Step 2 – Apply for the Momenta Award. As of 9am 10 April you will be able to access the application form for the Momenta Award. This is where you will outline your project and the funding required. You will have the option to complete the application directly in the portal or upload a video or audio file.  The application will automatically save as you progress and you will be prompted to complete and submit the application leading up to the close date to ensure you don’t forget the final steps. The criteria for the award is listed on the first page of the application document.

If you have any questions regarding the funding criteria, or completing the form, please call Jo Wilson at Acorn Foundation on 021 195 9354 or email jo@acornfoundation.org.nz.

The closing date for applications is 5pm, 23 May 2025.

Applications will be reviewed and the winner(s) notified in July. You may be asked to attend an in-person or online interview as part of this process.

• Applicants must be 13 years or older and must be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand and reside in the WBOP or EBOP area.
• Applicants must be intending to participate in a challenging physical adventure, undertake a creative project or start a business. Planning and/or commencement of the project must start within the next 12 months.
• The project must be challenging, and the participant must be able to show their tenacity, enthusiasm and above all their personal drive in achieving their goal.
• Funding may be paid in multiple instalments, depending on requirements of the project.

• You can only be granted funding once every two years.
• Submission of one application per person, per funding round/year.
• You can apply for either full or partial funding towards your project.
• You must have no ability to self-fund or be funded by friends or family for the entire project.
• You can demonstrate there are long term benefits from your idea, and it works towards you creating a good life.
• You must clearly describe your project or idea.
• You must clearly describe the budget needed, and whether that is to fund your project fully or partially.
• You must provide two written character references.
• You must clearly describe the outcomes you expect that your project will deliver for you or others. Successful applicants must be willing to allow Momenta and/or the Acorn Foundation to use their details for positive publicity and sharing of stories. This may include, but is not limited to, interview, video, and photos.
• Successful applicants must be willing to report on outcomes to the Momenta panel at the end of your project.
• The Selection Panel will consist of two senior management members from Momenta, along with two Momenta Board members. The Selection Panel will make the final selection.
• Applicants must agree that the decision of the Selection Panel will be final.

 

An independent panel reviews each application against the criteria and on its own merit. If your application isn’t successful this year, you can re-apply the next time funding is available. However, if you have been successful in securing a Momenta Live the Life You Love Award you will need to wait two years before submitting a new application.

• The Acorn Foundation and/or Momenta may recoup any funds awarded, if it is satisfied that the purpose of the award is not being met, or if the recipient through their actions, has brought the Acorn Foundation and/or Momenta into disrepute.
• The selection panel may refrain from making a recommendation if it finds no candidate of sufficient merit.