GiveOUT Day will return for its fifth year in 2026 with a record 29 Rainbow organisations taking part and an ambitious $150,000 fundraising target
Hosted by the Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust (RNZCT), the annual campaign is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest Rainbow fundraising event and aims to increase the impact of public donations through matched corporate funding.
Businesses contribute to a shared match pool, with $65,000 already secured for this year’s campaign. Public donations are then matched dollar-for-dollar from the pool until the available funding is exhausted, meaning a $50 donation can become $100 for a participating Rainbow organisation.
GiveOUT Day has raised close to $300,000 for more than 60 Rainbow organisations during its first four years. Almost $100,000 was raised for 25 groups last year, while the 29 organisations confirmed for 2026 represent the highest level of participation since the campaign began.
“Our community needs our support at all times, but especially in times like these,” says Jessie Lewthwaite, Co-Chair of the Trust. “GiveOUT Day is an authentic grassroots way for everyone to support Rainbow organisations and the community.”
The 2026 campaign also coincides with the 40th anniversary of Homosexual Law Reform in New Zealand. RNZCT expects to surpass $1 million in total Rainbow giving this year and celebrate its 100th Rainbow Scholar.
Supporting the campaign as Glambassadors this year are Buckwheat, Louisa Wall, Steven Oates, Luke Bird and Anita Wigl’it.
“I’m so excited to be involved again with the GiveOUT Day! Supporting and celebrating our rainbow communities is so important, creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, safe and proud to be exactly who you’re meant to be,” says Glambassador Luke Bird.
Glam & Give to launch campaign
The campaign will officially begin with Glam & Give, a cocktail fundraiser at new sponsor venue Radisson Red Auckland on Thursday, 8 October.
Doors will open at 6pm, followed by the official launch at 7pm, entertainment and the Trust’s charity auction.
“Glam & Give is about celebrating beauty with purpose,” says Tegan Hall, Co-Chair of the Trust. “When we combine glamour, generosity and community, we can create something truly special.”
Returning GiveOUT Day sponsors include Kiwibank, L’Oréal Groupe, Z Energy, Toitū Takatāpui, YOUR EX, Rainbow Auckland and Lion. New partners for 2026 include Skittles, MediaWorks and Radisson Red Auckland.
