Dr Thurlow said grants from the Acorn Foundation had gradually increased in the last three years as more dedicated funds from different parties became available.
Dan Allen-Gordon, Graeme Dingle Foundation Bay of Plenty regional manager, said the foundation's Kiwi Can programme was one of the first major funding recipients three years ago.
"We got $50,000 this year and last year, and $20,000 the year before. This funding will help us reach 2400 kids every week with values and life skills. We have four teams teaching across four things - positive relationships, resilience, respect and integrity."
Mr Allen-Gordon said the foundation's four leaders taught through mentoring, coaching, sports and arts, and built strong relationships with the children they worked with.
Salvation Army Tauranga community ministries manager Davina Plummer said it cost about $320,000 for the organisation to do what it did.
She said the great thing about the Acorn Foundation was the money was sustainable so organisations like the Salvation Army could budget for the money every year.
The money would go towards funding the church's successful family programmes.
Acorn Foundation general manager Nicky Wilkins said it was amazing to think 10 years ago the foundation was only just getting started, and today it was able to support the community to this extent.
"We are hugely grateful to our donors for sharing in our vision of making our region a better place, it is their generosity that enables us to give so much."
This year's distribution round reflected a more than 33 per cent increase in funds available for distribution.