2023 Philanthropy Wrap-Up
Image credit: Sense Rugby NZ
Growing generosity, forever
As a community foundation, we know that Nikau’s role is multifaceted. We are a funder, fundraiser, investor, connector, storyteller and so much more. Our intergenerational model means we have a role in delivering transformative support to our communities today while also playing our part in shaping the philanthropic landscape, growing a culture of generosity and safeguarding impact so individuals, families and organisations can continue to make a difference for generations to come.
When Nikau was established in 1991 – the first community foundation of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand – the world looked very different to what it does today. Over 30 years, we’ve experienced remarkable technological advancement, observed social, cultural and economic shifts and welcomed new generations of Wellingtonians. Similarly, the philanthropic sector and how people give has changed dramatically. We have a greater understanding that positive systemic change cannot be achieved by either local or national government alone and that philanthropy and communities have an important role to play.
People are thinking differently about their generosity – focusing their giving on the transformative rather than the transactional – and donors are more informed, knowledgeable and connected to the gifts they make. As a result, many choose to work alongside their local community foundation, like us, to help guide them so they are delivering impact in the most relevant, strategic and meaningful ways.
“Post-pandemic, people want to know how to make a difference, how to shift the dial, and are seeking out specialist philanthropy advice, including the wide range of impactful and more fulfilling ways that they can give.
Internationally, there is a real shift going on, and community foundations are stepping into becoming real connectors and drivers for transformational community change.”
Eleanor Cater, Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand
Future-focused philanthropy
Over the next 20 years, it is projected that $1.2 trillion will be handed down to the next generation – and that’s in Aotearoa New Zealand alone. This intergenerational wealth transfer presents a significant opportunity to create a thriving, equitable society if these funds are channelled in a strategic, community-focused way. It has the capacity to build well-resourced not-for-profits, proactively address the challenges faced by our communities and influence wider systemic change.
“Community foundations are really coming into their own, enabling people to feel like they can be a part of something bigger than themselves and that they can, individually, play their part in creating the future for their communities,” says Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand Director of Membership Services, Eleanor Cater.
As a community foundation, Nikau is poised to harness this transfer and maximise its impact, which is why many donors have chosen to leave a bequest to Nikau. By working alongside us, they feel assured that their next chapter of giving is being left in a safe pair of hands and the causes they hold near and dear will be supported long into the future.
The Lidgett Scholarships Fund was established with Nikau in 2023 to ensure Hutt Valley High School students could continue to be supported in tertiary study in honour of former students Audrey (R) and Betty (L) Lidgett.
Futureproofed fundraising
Since the emergence of COVID-19, many forpurpose organisations are thinking differently about their fundraising. While securing funds to support current projects remains as important as ever, they are also faced with how they achieve financial sustainability. By establishing funds with Nikau, organisations such as the Friends of Futuna Charitable Trust and Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust are building reliable funding streams to create more certainty, maximise their fundraising and provide an alternative, future-focused giving option to their supporters.
In 2023, we were delighted to have nine new funds established and committed. Each with their own vision, these funds will continue to make a transformative impact in 50, 100 or even 150 years.
Safeguarding the next chapter of charitable trusts
Following changes to legislation in the Trusts Act 2019, increased reporting and compliance obligations and a tough economic climate, many trustees are looking for strategic, practical ways to safeguard their giving and secure a succession plan.
For the Lidgett Scholarships Trust and June Oakley Memorial Youth Trust, transferring to Nikau in 2023 provided assurance that each trust’s vision and intent will be honoured forever and the compliance, governance and grant-making taken care of.
Maximising impact through collaboration
Increasingly, organisations, trusts and service clubs are looking to give back in ways that are more informed and responsive to community needs. By working alongside Nikau to make grants, they access our unique range of connections and knowledge, develop their understanding of the community and funding needs and make a real difference. In 2023, Nikau was delighted to work alongside Wellington North Rotary Club, Craigs Investment Partners and the Tindall Foundation to ensure their vision for our communities was supported at a local level.
New Zealand’s philanthropic sector is ever changing. As the conduit between generous people and our communities, Nikau is well placed to grow generosity and direct it to where it is most needed.
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.
