Developed in conjunction with children's charity Barnardos, the Max e-Grants programme provides assistance to support individual or small groups of children so they won't feel isolated or left out of activities due to social or economic disadvantage beyond their control.
Schools and early childhood centres may nominate children aged from four to 18 years old for a grant. The types of grants we fund for individuals or small groups are for school books and stationery, uniforms and equipment, special tuition, and subsidies enabling children to join their class on excursions and camps.
The latest grant round is now closed. The next grant round will open in 2025.
If you have already received a grant, you can find instructions on how to finalise and report on the outcomes of the project here.
Equipment and resources
Excursions or camps
Extracurricular activities
Teacher support or tutoring
School or sports uniforms
Testimonials
“Teachers are often the first to notice when a child is missing out on opportunities or being left behind. Schools and parents constantly tell us about the hugely positive effect the grants have on children’s lives. From larger financial aid for curriculum programmes to assisting with smaller supply needs like school shoes – it all goes a long way.”
Jo Harrison
General Manager – Child & Family Services, Barnardos
“Even when things got tough, the family were always incredibly humble and had never asked for assistance. When we let them know their family was the beneficiary of a grant which would be able to help cover the kids’ expenses, including stationery, school camps and sports fees, they were overjoyed.”
Karen
Teacher, Tokoroa North School
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Barnardos for the 13th year and know that the need is greater than it’s ever been. If you’re a parent, teacher or caregiver who recognises a family or child that could benefit, speak to your school about applying. One small act could make all the difference to their experience at school.”
Kevin Obern
Managing Director, OfficeMax
“We’re really blown away with the impact of the grant – we need to keep making this happen for other schools and families. I’d absolutely recommend educators look at nominating a child in need. The process for schools is simple, quick and easy to access.”
Kath Jackson
Teacher, Hastings Christian School
Hear from our awesome sponsors
Thanks to the support of our generous supplier sponsors, OfficeMax is able to help create opportunities for Kiwi kids and their families who are struggling to provide learning resources for their children.
How Max e-Grants are being used
Schools and parents report that the Max e-Grants is providing opportunities that have ongoing positive effects on children’s lives.
Last chance for camp
It’s hard when you’re the only one in class not attending school camp, trying to hide your disappointment when it’s the only topic your mates are talking about.
Michael’s* dad was injured and unable to work, and as a result, his family had struggled to make ends meet, let alone have enough for him...
New experiences
Dear Max e-Grants, thank you for paying for my camp fees. My favourite activity was caving because I had never done it before.
My second favourite thing was abseiling because I like heights and I like jumping off things. Camp benefited me by getting me out of my comfort zone.
Year 6 ski camp
Sledding in snow, visiting the National War Museum, jet boat ride at Huka Falls, thermal hot pools at Tokaanu, and indoor rock wall climbing for almost all children these activities were for the very first time.
For many, their first time away from home, and for a lot, their first time travelling...
No stationery stress
There’s a sense of excitement about the beginning of a new school year; most children return to school in high spirits and ready for the year ahead.
But sadly, this is not the case for all children. Being decile one, H. Primary School has many children from low-income families, single-parent and...
New uniforms for school
The last ten years have been a struggle for AR, a single mum of six children juggling two jobs whilst supporting her children through their education.
Here’s AR’s story of how Max e-Grants made a difference to her family:
“Last year, I was wondering...
Parent thank you
I am writing to acknowledge the very generous funding I have received from the Max e-Grants scheme. I have seven children and am finding it a struggle to pay for my four children’s schooling needs and this grant has taken such a burden off my day-to-day expenses...