We are focused on supporting the independence, self-determination and mana - enhancement of disabled people. All funded initiatives should have a strengths-based approach and align with Enabling Good Lives principles*. ​

As a disability-led philanthropic funder focused on outcomes specifically for disabled people, a key part our impact - along with putting funding decisions into the hands of those with lived experience - is representing the disability sector in the philanthropic funding community.​

Across our funding we focus on those with greatest need and least access to opportunities. Rural communities, Māori and Pasifika are communities of particular interest. ​

Spectrum Foundation is committed to ensuring decision-making is guided by people with lived experience of disability. This reflects the value we place on self-determination. Our Philanthropy Moderation Panel ensures people with lived experience review eligible applications and make recommendations. Along with the expertise of our Panel, our role as a service provider in the disability sector gives us an understanding of issues and opportunities, informing our open and closed funding streams.  ​

We are focused on how our funding can help to achieve genuine, lasting social change that will benefit disabled people now and in the future.

We seek to maximise access by simplifying our processes and offering guidance to applicants and those we fund. We maintain an open funding space to ensure we provide access to funding for organisations or initiatives we don’t yet have a relationship with.  ​

We build trust and relationships with people and organisations that we support.  Our collaborative approach involves brokering relationships with other donors, funders and interested parties.​