Canon Oceania opens NZD $20,000 grant for community groups

Canon Oceania has opened applications for its 2025 Grants program, making NZD $20,000 available to community groups and schools throughout New Zealand.

The annual program provides financial support and Canon products to a range of organisations, recognising efforts in areas such as education, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and broader community engagement.

Over a period spanning nearly two decades, the program has assisted more than 120 community and not-for-profit organisations, as well as schools, in strengthening their initiatives, increasing visibility, and making a positive impact within their local areas.

Categories and criteria

The 2025 Grants are divided into four categories, with each offering a total value of NZD $5,000, comprising NZD $2,500 in cash and NZD $2,500 in Canon products. Categories include Community, Education, Environment and Culture. Each category is open to various types of organisations, aligned with the grant's focus.

The Community Grant supports not-for-profit organisations and grassroots entities that work in the best interests of their communities. The Education Grant is open to schools and educational organisations working with both children and adults. The Environment Grant targets groups promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The Cultural Grant supports initiatives that promote indigenous culture in New Zealand.

Program philosophy

Kotaro Fukushima, Managing Director for Canon Oceania, described the values guiding the program and Canon's broader community efforts.

"Canon Oceania is proud to support the incredible work of grassroots organisations across New Zealand. Guided by our Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, our belief in the role communities play as the fabric of our society is deeply embedded in everything we do. Our Grants Program aims to empower these groups to achieve their goals and make a real difference in the lives of others. By providing access to technology and funding, we hope to help them amplify their impact and create positive change in our society," said Kotaro Fukushima, Managing Director for Canon Oceania.

Past grant recipients

The Environmental Grant in previous years has supported conservation efforts led by organisations like the Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre and the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Shannon Campion, Communications Manager at Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre, highlighted the practical benefits of Canon's support, following their recent grant focused on the conservation of the Karearea, New Zealand's most threatened bird of prey.

"The support from Canon has been wonderful. As a charitable trust, we have limited resources, so access to this awesome technology means we have been able to improve our understanding of our raptor species and help advocate for them and raise their profile here in Aotearoa," says Shannon Campion. Communications Manager for Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre.

Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Island, another Environmental Grant recipient, utilised the funding and equipment to enhance both educational initiatives and visitor experiences. Dr Ian Alexander, Chair of the organisation, described the outcomes resulting from the grant.

"The Grant provided a high-resolution Canon printer/scanner for our education and visitor centre, which is instrumental for our Growing Minds education programme. Further, the funding is also supporting the production of information boards on the island's renowned walking tracks. These boards enable visitors to learn of the rare native species now thriving in the sanctuary, and the importance of protecting these taonga (treasures) both on the island and in their own kainga (backyards)."

Ongoing support for community impact

Canon Oceania's grants program is designed to strengthen the capacity of community groups and educational organisations to share their stories, raise awareness, and advance their missions through the provision of funding and technology.

The 2025 Grants program is open for submissions, continuing the company's focus on supporting a variety of projects with both financial and product resources.