With its latest round of grants, the Mazda Foundation is proud to have donated over $1 million dollars back into Kiwi communities to give New Zealanders in need a helping hand.

The $1 million contribution, reached in just over four years, has provided much needed support for Kiwis who may not fit the criteria of other traditional funding sources.

Chairman of the Mazda Foundation, Andrew Clearwater, is a strong believer in being actively involved in the community and is proud to front an organisation doing so much for the people.

"Mazda has become involved in the community far beyond the traditional role of an automotive company through the Mazda Foundation," said Clearwater.

"My fellow Trustees and I are sent hundreds of funding applications each year and it's never an easy task determining which will be successful. We're thrilled to be in a position to assist New Zealanders, particularly in more recent times when the tightening of the global economy has meant individuals and organisations are competing for funding more than ever."

The Mazda Foundation was set up in 2005 to provide assistance to environmental, educational, skills development, cultural and community projects. It is funded through a contribution from the sales of every new Mazda in New Zealand, support from Mazda's dealership network and dedicated fundraising activity by Mazda New Zealand.

There are three closing dates each year for applications to the Mazda Foundation. The next closing date is 30 September 2010. For more information or to download an application form, visit www.mazdafoundation.org.nz