During Nikau’s 2024 Grants Round, we were delighted to provide almost $1 million in funding to support organisations doing good mahi to support our communities. This funding will support organisations in many ways, from helping to keep the lights on and rent paid, volunteers engaged, great team members in jobs to helping them to extend their reach and support more people in our communities.

2024 is a tough time to be working or volunteering in the not-for-profit sector. Not only are we operating in uncertain economic conditions, but we are facing decreased funding capabilities, volunteer fatigue and a wide range of challenges across our communities. So, when times are tough and the need for funding is extremely high, how do we approach funding? During our 2024 Grants Round, our approach was to listen, learn and lean in.

This year has been transformative for Nikau in so many ways. As an organisation, we have welcomed new donors, delivered almost $1.2 million in funding to support the people and places of our region, committed nine new funds that will give back long into the future and worked alongside two iconic Wellington sites to establish legacies so they can be visited, admired and enjoyed for generations to come.

Many of tWellington’s most iconic and loved sites are supported by passionate volunteers, trustees, friends organisations and associations who work hard to secure funds for current projects while thinking of ways they support the next chapter.

We are so delighted to work alongside so many iconic Wellington sites like Ōtari-Wilton's Bush, Futuna Chapel, Old St Paul's and Ngā Manu Nature Reserve to safeguard their impact, maximise their fundraising and ensure the places that make our region so special are preserved for generations to come.

In 2023, we observed a number of trends in the philanthropic sector. These included the many organisations looking to futureproof their impact, trusts taking steps to secure a succession plan and organisations seeing the benefit of collaboration to make the biggest difference in our communities.

In 2023, Nikau was delighted to deliver over $1.2 million in transformative funding to support the people and places of our region.

As a funder, we understand that our role isn’t just to get money out the door. It’s to make meaningful connections with our community, create space for important conversations and – most importantly – to listen so we can play our part in implementing solutions that are informed, effective and fit for purpose.

Through this connection with our communities, we observed many trends throughout the sector, were able to create positive funding experiences for not-for-profits and deliver practical and meaningful funding to our communities.

The Trusts Act 2019, which came into force on 30 January 2021, aimed to clarify trust laws, make trust law more accessible, trustees more accountable and trust activities more transparent. However, increased obligations and responsibilities, paired with a tough economic climate, has meant trustees are now looking for ways to preserve the Trust's mission, and ensure the original gift continues to help those it was designed to help.

Over the past few years, many trustees have turned to their local community foundations as a practical solution to maintain the original intent of the trust while handing over the responsibility of compliance, governance and grant-making.

Tēnā koutou katoa.

There are simply not enough words to describe how proud I am of Nikau Foundation as a funder, a partner, a team and an advocate for this wonderful region that we call home. There is no other network of philanthropic foundations that can support donors to truly realise their giving goals and connect them to the greatest need. Every gift, large or small, forms a part of our story and the impact we have today, tomorrow and for generations to come. Not only did we establish 11 new funds in 2022, but we also reached a significant milestone of 75 funds.

E aku nui, e aku rahi, tēnā koutou katoa.

It is my pleasure to bring you Nikau Foundation’s 2022 Impact Report. This year was particularly significant for us. We farewelled and welcomed team members, established new funds to support our region forever and placed greater focus and investment on areas that directly support our communities.

Joint statement from the Rainbow Funders Ropū on the recent arson of the Tauranga rainbow centre.

Over the last few years, Nikau Foundation has grown considerably. During this period, we have evolved from a small, self-managed not-for-profit to a medium-sized institutional investor. This growth warranted a reassessment of the way our investments are managed to position ourselves for the future. We have chosen to partner with both Craigs Investment Partners and Harbour Asset Management.

Over the last few years, Nikau Foundation has grown considerably. During this period, we have evolved from a small, self-managed not-for-profit to a medium-sized institutional investor. This growth warranted a reassessment of the way our investments are managed to position ourselves for the future. We have chosen to partner with both Craigs Investment Partners and Harbour Asset Management.

As Community Foundations, there are challenges to being the connector between donor and community organisation. It can even feel one step removed at times. Nikau Foundation Executive Director, Em Lewis, discuss how to create inspiring giving experiences you are the conduit between the donor and community organisations.

We are delighted to introduce Nikau Foundation's new Executive Director, Emma Lewis. Originally from the UK, Em has an extensive background in fundraising, marketing and strategic growth, holding senior development and philanthropy management positions at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, the UK’s National Autistic Society and Tate Museums, and advisory positions at local community organisations.

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.

It’s a challenge that many foundations face - how to ensure consistent annual funding for good causes when the markets fluctuate as they do.

In September 2020, Nikau Foundation adopted a new distribution policy, which ensures that grants can be sustainably distributed even in the face of uncertain economic conditions.

“As the first community foundation in New Zealand, we are proud to have seeded a national movement. What started as a series of gifts from a handful of generous donors has grown to a pool of over $200 million managed by 17 community foundations nationally, with Nikau managing over $29 million. This is the power of the model.”

Read our Letter from the Executive Director from Nikau Foundation’s 2021 Impact Report here.

“For many organisations, the last two years has signalled a direction change. For us, this time has meant re-evaluating how we can best serve our communities. Our next chapter will see us adopting strategies for more-streamlined operations, effective delivery of our grant-making service and maximised impact for our communities.”

Read our Letter from the Chair from Nikau Foundation’s 2021 Impact Report here.

The not-for-profit sector is changing and communities are looking for smarter ways to manage community funds. Generous locals are looking for an easy way to leave a personal local legacy. CFNZ’s White Paper explores the many benefits of giving through a community foundation.