2023 Funding Wrap-Up

19 Apr

Delivering transformative support to our region

Every year, we request feedback from community organisations on how funding from Nikau has helped them to grow and give back. The purpose of gathering this feedback is threefold: to measure our impact, to gather additional information on challenges facing our communities and to gain an understanding of how we can do better as a funder.

At Nikau, our role isn’t just to get money out the door. It’s to make meaningful connections with our community, to 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.

To do this well, it is important that we acknowledge common barriers in the funding sector and are open to adopting new processes and approaches to operate more effectively. By adopting this broader role, we can ensure that our funding goes further, that it is making an impact where it is most needed and that we are part of the solution for organisations working in the not-for-profit sector.

“Without this kind of operational funding, we just couldn’t do what we do. It means that those experiencing homelessness or doing it tough can continue to be supported through free laundry, showers and social connection.”
Katie Hart, Orange Sky Aotearoa

In 2023, we implemented a range of new initiatives to ensure we are creating the most streamlined, accessible and inclusive funding experience possible. These are designed to demystify the grant application process, save the time we know is so precious to not-for-profits and their volunteers and create more equitable opportunities to secure crucial funding.

The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive with many organisations noting that they appreciated our personal approach, clear communications and user-friendly application and reporting processes. When asked to rate their funding experience with Nikau this year, we received a rating of 9.59 out of 10.

Agile, flexible funding

As a funder, we recognise the importance of remaining agile and flexible in our approach. As every organisation is different, there simply cannot be one size fits all when it comes to funding. In 2023, we were delighted to distribute 193 grants to organisations and individuals throughout Te Upoko-o-te-Ika-a-Māui, the Greater Wellington region, supporting a wide range of expenses from building websites to purchasing lawnmowers, supporting salaries and programme delivery.

To be most effective, we also need to consider the landscape in which we operate. By looking beyond ourselves, we can observe where gaps exist in the sector and where the largest opportunities for philanthropic impact lie. Our biggest learning is that it is the day-to-day costs such as salaries and operational support that are often the hardest kinds of funding to secure, yet these costs are the most critical for an organisation’s operation.

Providing this type of funding support goes beyond covering the bills – it means continuing to offer spaces for vulnerable communities, creating certainty in their service delivery and making sure the same friendly face is there to offer support when they need it the most. This year, we were delighted to assist with $279,931 in salary support and $367,609 in operational expenses.

A tough funding landscape

In 2023, we received a total of 414 applications for funding support – a 7% increase on last year. While this increase represents Nikau’s growing profile as a funder, it is also reflective of wider economic challenges and reduced funding capabilities across the sector. This year, we observed an 18% increase in the average funding request from $5,188 to $6,023.

While our funding is predominantly donor-led, we are working hard to bridge the gap between donors and community needs. Our community connectedness means donors trust us to keep them informed with priority funding areas. As a result, we are directing more funds than ever to these areas, which include financial and food insecurity, mental health and wellbeing services, family and rangatahi support services and digital inequity. This year, our top funding areas were community (including foodbanks and social services), environmental conservation, disability support and families.

The power of collaboration

We know that we cannot solve the pressing issues on our own so we have invested in our connection and collaboration with the funding community to amplify our impact. This year, we have deepened our relationships with funders, funding advisors and philanthropic networks, including the Department of Internal Affairs, Porirua City Council, Clare Foundation, Wellington Community Fund and Rainbow Funders Rōpū.

These relationships are key to so many aspects of effective funding – assessing opportunities, gaining insights and knowledge and collaboratively driving positive change for our communities.

Equitable support

This year, we also reflected on how we could do better to support and acknowledge Māori aspirations. Through connection with iwi, hapū and tangata whenua, we have deepened our understanding of te reo, tikanga and te ao Māori as an organisation, which will allow us to provide more equitable support throughout our region.

I am proud of what we have delivered for our communities in 2023 – almost $1.2 million in funding!

We look forward to working together to build on our impact in 2024.

Ngā mihi nui

**Lindy Young**
Funding and Relationships Manager

Our Impact in 2023

2023 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.

To read about our impact in 2023, download our Impact Report below.

Download our Impact Report

2023 Impact Report