About the Christine Taylor Foundation

Our 2026 Grant Round is now open. Click here to apply.

The Christine Taylor Foundation for Mental Health is entering its final phase and will be winding up its operations. As part of this process, 2026 will mark the last round of grant funding.

We encourage all eligible applicants to take this final opportunity to apply and be part of the Trust’s lasting impact in the community.

Richmond Fellowship (New Zealand) was established in 1978 after a group of concerned mental health professionals met to discuss the urgent need for an alternative to state-run institutions. The parents of a young person with a serious illness had researched alternatives, found Richmond U.K. and sponsored Peggy Zeisler to visit, learn, and advise on a possible RF NZ.

The recommendation was positive, and groups were formed to establish therapeutic communities. Christine Taylor with Peggy headed the Auckland group. The initial five Richmond Fellowship services linked to become a New Zealand wide service.  Christine, with the other four regional chairs, was instrumental in setting service standards and guidelines.I was chair of the Wellington regional committee. We were all working voluntarily.  Our constant worry was about finding funds to pay staff, funds to print and distribute materials, how to confer on common concerns and how to resolve them.