I Have A Dream Charitable Trust

What I Have A Dream Charitable Trust does

I Have A Dream Charitable Trust is a New Zealand-registered charitable trust (Charities Commission CC24136) founded in 2003, delivering a long-term, relationship-based youth empowerment programme for tamariki and rangatahi (children and youth, Years 1-14) attending low-decile and high-needs schools. Its core product is a 15-year mentorship and education-support model in which dedicated Navigators, embedded within partner schools, provide tutoring, life coaching, role modelling, and pathways support from school entry through to employment. The organisation currently serves 1,150+ Dreamers across four partner schools in the Whangārei communities of Tikipunga and Otangarei (Tikipunga Primary, Tikipunga High School, Totara Grove, Te Kura o Otangarei), and has recently extended to Hawke's Bay with a stated ambition of supporting 5,000 Dreamers by 2030. Supplementary programmes include the Pathways Programme (post-school scholarships of up to NZ$4,000/year for three years), a Mentoring Programme (police-vetted volunteer mentors matched with Year 12-14 students), and a portfolio of after-school activities (Film Club, Any-Book Book Club, Boxfit, Jiu Jitsu, horse riding, Matariki Murals).

There is no proprietary technology platform underlying the offering; delivery is people-intensive and supported only by standard operational tools (website, email, Instagram, Linktree, a registration platform for the Classic 100 fundraiser, and a Shopify Pay-it-Forward integration via GoGenerosity). The business model is 100% philanthropic: the trust generates no revenue from beneficiaries. Funding streams comprise individual one-off and recurring donations (tiered from NZ$20 per impact to NZ$170/month per full-programme Dreamer), corporate Dream Partner sponsorships (Classic Builders Northland, PAK'nSAVE Whangarei, Sudburys, Morrison, Luxury Trail Company, Wright Family Foundation, among others), grants, and event-based fundraising via the Classic 100 (March) and Magnolia Gardens Open Days (August). Quantified outcomes claimed by the organisation include an 80% post-secondary progression rate from the 2003 Mt Roskill pilot cohort and a stated NZ$3.60 social return per NZ$1 invested. The organisation is affiliated with I Have a Dream International, holds the registered "I Have a Dream"® trademark in New Zealand, and is led by CEO Shane Gorst and Founder/Chairperson Scott Gilmour, with a former Dreamer (Davontae Bristowe) serving as a Trustee.

Name

I Have A Dream Charitable Trust

Legal name

The I Have A Dream CHARITABLE TRUST (New Zealand)

Website

https://ihaveadream.org.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

I Have A Dream Charitable Trust is a New Zealand non-profit that delivers a 15-year, Navigator-led mentoring and education programme for tamariki and rangatahi (Years 1-14) at low-decile partner schools, currently serving 1,150+ Dreamers in Whangārei and expanding to Hawke's Bay with a 2030 target of 5,000 Dreamers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Education and Mentoring Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

K–12 Support & School Improvement Nonprofits (BPAGADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

After-School, Tutoring & Academic Enrichment Nonprofits (BPAGADAC), Student Mentoring & Peer Support Programs (EDAJALAL), Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL)

Keywords

• Youth mentoring programs
• Education support services
• After-school enrichment
• Community philanthropy
• Scholarship pathways

Headquarters

HQ city

Whangārei

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Philanthropic Donations (Individual): One-off or recurring donations from individuals. The organisation promotes donations at various levels (e.g., $20 for a trip or event, $50 for after-school programming, $170/month for full programme support per child). This is the primary revenue stream enabling all operations.
2. Corporate Sponsorship & Dream Partners: Local businesses and organisations (Dream Partners) provide financial support, in-kind donations, experiential opportunities, and volunteer time. Partners include Classic Builders Northland, PAK'nSAVE Whangarei, Morrison, Sudburys, and others who fundraise for or sponsor specific programmes.
3. Event-Based Fundraising: Annual fundraising events such as the Classic 100 (running challenge in March), Magnolia Gardens Open Days, and other community fundraisers generate significant donations from participants and local community members.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

I Have A Dream Charitable Trust delivers a long-term, school-embedded youth mentorship and education support programme (the I Have A Dream Programme), running from Year 1 through Year 14, in which trained Navigators provide mentoring, tutoring, life coaching, role modelling and pathways support to every child in partner low-decile schools. This core programme is complemented by the Pathways Programme (post-school transition support with scholarships up to $4,000/year for three years), the Mentoring Programme (vetted volunteer mentor matching), and a range of after-school enrichment activities, all delivered at no cost to Dreamers and funded entirely through philanthropic donations, corporate sponsorship and fundraising events.

Product overview

I Have A Dream Charitable Trust operates as a unified charitable mission rather than a platform product company. The core offering is the long-term I Have a Dream Programme, a 15-year mentorship and educational support system from Years 1-14, supported by Navigator staff who provide mentoring, tutoring, life coaching, and role modeling. Additional programmatic offerings include the Pathways Programme (post-school support with scholarships), Mentoring Programme (volunteer mentor matching), and various after-school programmes such as Film Club, Any-Book Book Club, Boxfit, Jiu Jitsu, and Horse Riding. The organization also runs signature fundraising events including Classic 100 and Magnolia Gardens Fundraiser, plus educational excursions like the Otago Rail Trail and University Visit trip. These programs are funded entirely through philanthropy and operate in partnership with four schools in Whangārei (Tikipunga Primary, Totara Grove, Te Kura o Otangarei, and Tikipunga High School) with recent expansion to Hawke's Bay.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• I Have A Dream Programme Long-term 15-year mentorship and educational support programme for tamariki and rangatahi from Years 1–14 in low-decile partner schools. Trained Navigators provide mentoring, tutoring, life coaching, role modelling and pathways support at no cost to Dreamers, working in partnership with schools, whānau and community.
• Pathways Programme Post-school transition support programme delivered with Tikipunga High School providing enhanced Navigator support, scholarship application assistance, and scholarships of up to $4,000 per year for three years to help Dreamers pursue vocational training, tertiary study or meaningful employment.
• Mentoring Programme Volunteer mentor matching programme connecting trained, police-vetted community mentors with Year 12 and Year 14 students. Mentors meet Dreamers face-to-face monthly to build confidence, provide guidance and support students toward their chosen pathways.
• Classic 100 Annual community fitness fundraiser in which individuals and teams register to run, walk or skip 100km across March to raise money for I Have A Dream programmes. Funds raised support specific programmes such as the in-school Boxfit initiative.
• Magnolia Gardens Fundraiser Open Days Annual open-day fundraiser in which one of New Zealand's largest magnolia gardens is opened to the public for an entry fee, with proceeds funding Dreamer expeditions, educational experiences and enrichment programmes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% of Dreamers from the 2003 Mt Roskill pilot went on to enter post-secondary education (apprenticeships, diplomas, degrees)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Classic Builders NorthlandcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-term Dream Partner and primary sponsor of the Classic 100 annual fundraiser — a 100km running/walking challenge held each March in Whangārei. Classic Builders Northland has been the title sponsor for 6 years, promoting the event on More FM radio and directly engaging their staff and clients. Funds raised are directed to programmes such as the in-school Boxfit programme. Regional Manager Scott Coutts actively promotes the partnership and participates in events.
• Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Māori Art GallerycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner37 Dreamers have been welcomed into a dedicated after-school arts programme at the Hundertwasser Art Centre over two years. Dreamers participate in clay sculptures, Dream Houses, stencil making, and campaign poster printing. The centre's director Joost de Bruin describes the partnership as stress-free and enjoyable, noting alignment with Friedensreich Hundertwasser's belief that everyone should explore their creative energy.
• PAK'nSAVE WhangareiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal owners Todd and Lillian Leathem support I Have a Dream with 'Healthy Kai' provisions for programmes. They are committed to creating Tumanako (Hope) by exposing students to opportunities, experiences, and future pathways. PAK'nSAVE is a Dream Partner providing in-kind food support.
• ReSport Charitable TrustminorOthersReSport supplies gently used shoes and sports gear at no cost to participants, removing barriers to sport and physical activity participation for Dreamers and community members involved in events like Classic 100. Contact: 0800 000 626 or [email protected].
• Whangārei Boxing GymcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDream Partner delivering the in-school Boxfit programme for Year 3 and 4 students at Tōtara Grove and Tikipunga Primary School. The programme is funded through Classic 100 donations. Three experienced trainers deliver sessions alongside Navigators during school hours. Andrea Snowdon of Whangārei Boxing Gym says they share a closely aligned mission with I Have a Dream in empowering rangatahi through structure, discipline, and positive connection.
• SudburyscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEngineering consultancy and Dream Partner for 3 years. Sudburys has conducted multiple working bees at Te Kura o Otangarei (sanding, painting, gardening), hosted a Build-a-Bike event with clients that resulted in 12 new bikes for the Te Taiao Mountain Biking Programme, and participated in Classic 100. Director Steve Sudbury describes the work as fulfilling. Business Partner Diana Piggott says the partnership has led to fun, exciting projects and genuine community connection.
• Jessie Rose's Inspire ArtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTen Dreamers from Tikipunga High School attend weekly Inspire Art classes at Te Kamo, funded through Enriching Local Curriculum (ELC) funding. Dreamers exhibit their artwork alongside other student and adult artists. Classes are run by Jessie Rose who has offered Inspire Art since 2017.
• Bush Jitsu (Brennan Matheson)minorOthersBush Jitsu owner and head coach Brennan Matheson delivers a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu after-school programme for Year 5 Dreamers at Totara Grove School, alongside programme facilitator Gina McInnes. Over a four-week introduction, Dreamers learn horse handling and riding basics alongside personal growth skills.
• University of OtagocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey education partner for Dreamer university exposure and pathways. Dreamers visited the University of Otago as part of the Otago Rail Trail trip, staying at Hayward College. Liaised with Alumni Relations Advisor Lizzy Lukeman, Liaison Officers Greg Heller and Sandra Spence, and Kaitakawaeka Tama Walker from Te Huka Mātauraka. Dreamers explored the BNZ Bloomberg Market Lab, Career Development Centre, and Law School. Several Dreamers (including Davontae Bristowe) have gone on to study at Otago with scholarships. The university also features I Have a Dream in its Alumni Magazine.
• Otago PolytechnicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOtago Polytechnic partnered on the 2024 South trip, with Liaison Advisor Steph Kerslake providing campus tours. Dreamers visited the Design Department, Nursing Department, and Geology Department to explore vocational pathways. The visit complemented the University of Otago visit as part of a broader post-secondary exposure programme.
• Te Ora HouminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTe Ora Hou provides access to its dedicated Art Shed for the Trash to Treasure and Matariki Mural programmes with Year 10 and 12 Dreamers. The shed is within walking distance of Tikipunga High School and I Have a Dream HQ, enabling hands-on creative programmes including collaborative art boards, pallet art, and eco dump projects.
• Whangārei Central LibraryminorOthersThe Any-Book Book Club at Tikipunga High School announced an upcoming trip to Whangārei Central Library where Dreamers will receive their own library cards and discover the resources available at modern public libraries. For some Dreamers, this will be their first visit.
• Pompallier Catholic CollegeminorOthersApproximately 30 Pompallier Catholic College students volunteer with I Have a Dream each year, with many starting in Year 12 and staying with the same Dreamer group through graduation. Pompallier students and families also run an annual Easter Egg Drive, donating hundreds of eggs for after-school hunts at Tikipunga Primary School.
• Unipol Recreation Centre (University of Otago)minorOthersDan Porter and Liz Campbell at Unipol Recreation Centre provided free access to world-class recreational and sporting facilities for Dreamers during the Otago trip, rounding off the university visit day with fun and physical activity.
• Tahi HoneyminorOthersTahi Honey processes honey from beehives at Te Kura o Otangarei. The honey, along with vegetables from the school's Otangarei Oasis garden, is sold at Artisan markets by Navigators and Dreamers to raise funds and teach business skills.
• Mitre 10 WhangāreiminorOthersMitre 10 Whangārei donated a Honey Tulip Magnolia tree worth $89 as a raffle prize for the Magnolia Gardens Open Days fundraiser.
• Solomons GoldminorOthersSolomons Gold donated a selection of chocolate as raffle prizes for the Magnolia Gardens Open Days fundraiser.
• MCOFFEEminorOthersMCOFFEE donated coffee packs as raffle prizes for the Magnolia Gardens Open Days fundraiser.
• Whangārei Flying ClubminorOthersWhangārei Flying Club is where Dreamer Luca Kotze takes flight training. Instructors are all volunteers, making it one of the most affordable places in the country to learn. Luca completed his first discovery flight with instructor Neil Foreman.
• I Have a Dream InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerI Have a Dream NZ is affiliated with I Have a Dream International, a global network of organisations sharing the same mission of long-term youth empowerment through education. The founder Scott Gilmour scoured the country looking for the right community to roll out the programme.
• Dr Maxine Ronald and Medical TeamminorOthersDr Maxine Ronald (the only wāhine Māori breast cancer surgeon in the world), along with registrars Dr Tilisi Puloka, Dr Gina Kioa, and Dr Kealey Sanford, visited I Have a Dream HQ to inspire 16 Dreamers interested in medical careers. Dr Ronald was awarded the RACS Māori Health Medal and appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
• Whangārei MuseumminorOthersWhangārei Museum was a destination for the 2026 summer holiday programme when bad weather prevented the planned Year 6 camp and Auckland Zoo visit.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Inspiring Stories Trust: NZ charity running youth social enterprise and changemaker programmes for school-aged children. Emerging player: partial overlap in NZ youth empowerment space, with a different emphasis on entrepreneurship and social action rather than sustained mentoring.

Direct peers

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of New Zealand: NZ affiliate of the global mentoring charity, matching adult volunteers with young people for sustained one-to-one mentoring relationships. Direct peer: same youth-mentoring mission, NZ-based, school and community-referred participants.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of New Zealand: Federated network of youth clubs across NZ providing after-school programmes, mentoring, and education support in disadvantaged communities. Direct peer: community-embedded youth development programmes funded by philanthropy and grants.
• Graeme Dingle Foundation: New Zealand youth development charity running long-term mentoring and education programmes (Project K, Stars) in low-decile schools. Direct peer: comparable NZ-based, school-embedded youth mentoring model targeting educational and life outcomes for disadvantaged rangatahi.
• Spirit of Adventure Trust: NZ trust delivering outdoor education and personal development voyages for young people aged 16-18, prioritising those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Direct peer: NZ-based youth empowerment charity with strong educational/character outcomes focus.
• Youthtown Inc: NZ youth development organisation running after-school programmes, holiday programmes, and leadership development for school-aged children. Direct peer: same school-based delivery model, after-school programming focus, philanthropic funding base.
• Variety – the Children's Charity NZ: NZ children's charity providing grants, scholarships, and educational support to disadvantaged children. Direct peer: comparable philanthropic model serving disadvantaged Kiwi youth with education-focused outcomes.

Broad incumbents

• Stand for Children (International): Large international education advocacy and youth-support nonprofit operating across multiple countries with much broader policy and direct-service scope. Broad incumbent: similar mission framing around educational equity and youth opportunity, but at significantly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/ihaveadreamnz

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about I Have A Dream Charitable Trust