Community Foundations New Zealand
The collective good.
Collectively, Aotearoa New Zealand's Community Foundations have made great progress since 1991. Today, we collectively manage millions of dollars, which is invested and growing for the long-term benefit of our communities and distributed millions in grants.
Nikau Foundation was the first of a network of now 17 Community Foundations working to effect positive change in their respective regions throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Since the first Community Foundation was established in Cleveland, United States in 1914, this smarter giving model has become a popular global movement with hundreds of foundations working to create an impact in their local communities, worldwide.
Rather than a traditional not-for-profit, Community Foundations invest all donations to build reliable funding to support their local communities, forever. So, you’re not really giving to a Community Foundation, but through it. And the invested model means your generosity will have benefits, forever.
CFNZ Executive Director, Arron Perriam.
30-years of a movement.
Being the oldest generally means a couple of things are likely to be true. You’re likely to always be the guinea pig, you will always be the role model and the journey can be extremely tough – yet in the end also highly rewarding.
This is the story of Nikau Foundation, our oldest and first community foundation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Giving through a Community Foundation is a kaitiaki role for society – we can all play a part in being guardians for New Zealand’s future.”
- Adrian Orr, Governor of the Reserve Bank of NZ, Te Pūtea Matua
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New Patron Appointed
Community Foundations of New Zealand are thrilled to announce that Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand, has been appointed as Patron for our work.
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A new way of thinking about charity and philanthropy
The charity sector is changing and communities are looking for smarter ways to manage community funds. CFNZ’s White Paper in collaboration with Dentons Kensington Swan explores these trends.