November 10, 2022
It’s time to talk dreams—and not the kind you do in your sleep.
The last couple of years have been particularly tough for many Kiwis. We reckon there’s a huge wealth of entrepreneurial talent in this country, but not everyone is in a position to get their big idea off the ground.
So this month we’re talking about the kind of dreams you’re chasing—you know, the ones that are going to make a real difference in the world. Want to kick start a new business? Fund your time off work to get a new initiative off the ground? Take your community-driven side-hustle to the next level?
About the Dream Big Grant
The BedsRus Dream Big Grant offers individuals some financial support to help them achieve their own dreams.
We’re already committed to ensuring Kiwis achieve their ultimate wellness through optimised sleep, and as the custodians of good sleep in our country, it's important we also help Kiwis dream big while they’re awake.
Being the experts in our field comes with a great responsibility; to always strive to live our vision and foster positive change, ensuring we always lead by example. This means it’s important for us to meaningfully support both our customers and our communities and foster economic and societal value through the contribution of resources, donations and awareness partnerships.
In other words: we’re for helping Kiwis, help Kiwis.
As part of our commitment to New Zealand’s communities, each year the Dream Big Grant puts much needed financial assistance into the hands of three individuals who have a big vision but lack the funds to get it off the ground.
Applications close November 30th 2022
Fulfilment is a Basic Need
Humans are wired to seek out things that give us a sense of achievement and wholeness. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget about (or not know where to start with) doing the stuff that’s truly meaningful for us.
But realising our impact on the world around us isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for our wellbeing. That need is inbuilt. It helps us thrive. And most of the time, it also benefits the people around us as well.
The Dream Big Grant was established with this knowledge in mind. When we’re able to bring our vision to life in a way that has a positive impact on our community, everyone wins.
Who can apply?
Anyone with a dream can apply! The best idea could be one that nobody else has conceived of yet, so we aren’t here to put requirements on your goals. Whether you want to impact the world or just your neighbourhood, it’s an opportunity to get the wheels in motion for your big idea.
You could be launching something completely new or adding something on to an existing business or initiative.
The big idea though? It’s all about making a difference. Past recipients of the grant have been involved with mental health initiatives, Māori language education, and supporting people with intellectual disabilities.
We love to see this money being used to make a real difference in the lives of other Kiwis and contribute to wellbeing in the community. After all, the wellbeing of our fellow Kiwis is a top priority for us too!
Dream Big Stories
Get inspired with stories from past Dream Big recipients:
Kristyl Neho
Kristyl used the Dream Big Grant to fund her Confident Me programme through her business, Maia Dreams. Confident Me is an early intervention programme that equips students with life strategies and coping tools. Part of the funds that Kristyl received were used to purchase camera equipment to record school performances that are run as part of the Confident Me programme. The remainder of the funds were used to pay a facilitator of the programme.
Paaka Edwards
The 2021 Dream Big Grant contributed towards Paaka Edwards' dream of creating an App that can teach people how to pronounce Māori place names correctly and improve the understanding of Māori geographical references. Paaka used the funds he received to purchase equipment to record and mix vocals for the audio and video elements of the App.
Joshua McKenzie-Brown
BedsRus Dream Big Grant has helped Joshua McKenzie-Brown to support Spectrum Care, an organisation that supports people with intellectual difficulties. Spectrum Care offers a variety of skill-based programmes in their day centres, one of which is Easy Beats - where participants have the opportunity to create their own music using a range of technology and instruments in a professional studio-like setting. Joshua used his funds to purchase several sets of high quality headphones for Easy Beats.
Let’s Dream Together!
Could you put the Dream Big Grant to good use?
Applicants are invited to share their big idea across creativity, technology or entrepreneurship and detail in their entry, in 25 words or less, how the grant would support their dream chasing.
So, tell us all about it!
Applications close November 30th 2022