A Trust Deed creating the Te Awa Community Foundation was signed in late 2018 to establish a Community Foundation that encompasses the Horizon's region. This region incorporates the districts of Ruapehu, Rangitikei, Whanganui , Manawatū, Tararua and Palmerston North City.

People can give to the Community Foundation, with their money being pooled and invested. The income generated from the investments is returned to community causes of their choice, through a grant making programme that will keep in tune with the changing needs of local communities for generations to come.

The inaugural Te Awa Community Foundation Trustees have a shared vision to develop and strengthen the organisation to support and positively impact communities from throughout the region. Trusteeships are voluntary, which is a cornerstone feature of Community Foundations. The Trustees will be supported by local committees and key advisory boards, to ensure a whole of region approach.

The Community Foundation will also have voluntary committees for investments and granting. It will also draw on the expertise and experience of other Community Foundations, and from the national organisation for guidance and best practice as it develops policies to support its operations.