Te Tupu Tahi was developed to support community organisations to strengthen capability, improve funding readiness, and build stronger relationships with funders. The initiative emerged from a recognised gap between funder expectations and the operational realities of small community organisations.

PEP supported the early design and delivery of the initiative as part of its work strengthening community capability infrastructure.

Many community organisations were doing important work but lacked access to structured capability development that could help them strengthen governance, clarify strategy, and engage confidently with funding partners.
 

There was also a need to design an initiative that balanced funder accountability requirements with culturally grounded, relationship-based support for community organisations.

PEP supported the design and early implementation of Te Tupu Tahi, developing the programme structure, capability approach, and engagement model. This included ensuring the initiative was grounded in practical capability development rather than one-off workshops.

PEP’s work focused on:

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• Designing a capability-building programme responsive to community needs

• Supporting organisations to strengthen governance and strategy foundations

• Creating pathways between community organisations and funding partners

• Establishing programme structures that could sustain long-term impact

As the initiative matured, it became clear the work aligned more closely with charitable and civic leadership objectives. The programme was subsequently transitioned to PaCIVICa to ensure long-term alignment with its charitable purpose.

Te Tupu Tahi supported participating organisations to strengthen organisational foundations and improve confidence engaging with funding environments. The initiative now continues under PaCIVICa as part of its broader civic and community capability work.

This work demonstrates PEP’s capability in initiative design — not only supporting programmes to launch, but helping ensure they are positioned within the right governance structures for long-term sustainability.