Kiwi entrepreneur, tech innovator and philanthropist Annette Presley ONZM has today officially launched the Annette Presley Dream Foundation – a multi-million-dollar charitable initiative focused on empowering women, uplifting youth, and supporting grassroots communities across New Zealand.
Having built a legacy as a fearless disruptor in IT and telecommunications, Annette is now channelling her energy into something deeply personal and purposeful – giving back in a way that will have a lasting impact.
“This isn’t about charity,” says Annette. “It’s about belief – belief in people, in second chances, in small beginnings, and the big things that can happen when someone backs you.”
While Annette has long supported a range of causes behind the scenes, this new foundation marks a bold step forward, bringing structure, focus and long-term impact to her philanthropic work.
“I’ve seen how hard not-for-profits work and how much support they need – both financially and in boots-on-the-ground help,” she says. “If I can help one person step into their potential, that’s a win. That’s worth every dollar and every minute.”
Backing People with Big Dreams
Annette has always believed in lifting others – and now she’s doing it at scale. The Annette Presley Dream Foundation is grounded in her belief that when you empower one person, you uplift an entire community. It’s about creating real change by investing in the people and groups already doing the mahi.
The foundation will fund initiatives that:
- Empower women and children – through health, education, leadership, and wellbeing programmes.
- Support local communities – by funding grassroots, community-led projects that address social, economic and environmental issues.
Annette hopes to inspire a new generation of young women to believe in themselves and chase their own dreams, just as she did.
Leadership with Purpose
The foundation is chaired by Desley Simpson, who says the timing couldn’t be better. “We’re seeing fewer opportunities for charities to access funding, yet the need keeps growing. My dream is that this foundation brings hope to those on the ground making a difference.”
For Annette, the foundation is more than just another initiative – it’s a legacy project for her two children and for the women and communities of New Zealand.
“I’ve spent decades building businesses. Now, it’s time to build impact,” she says. “This is about sending the elevator back down to help others rise – giving people the support they need to dream bigger, do more, and become their best selves.”
Funding Details
The first funding round will open 1st July – 31st August, with successful applicants notified by the end of October. In 2026, there will be two further funding rounds in March and August.
For more information or to apply, visit her website.
