Aspiring Community Foundation

Author: Julie Perry

  • Wills Month

    Wills Month

    The potential good we can do in the future is huge

    The definition of ‘need’ in any community is broad, changing over time. The work of grassroots organisations is typically a good reflection of current needs within a community. A community foundation can help to address changing needs over time, providing intergenerational support that’s underpinned by purpose and an intimate knowledge of place.

    The communities of the Upper Clutha are dynamic and ever evolving, particularly as we continue to grow. Few of the Upper Clutha’s residents were born and raised here. Given the attractions of our area, significant numbers of people enjoy this place without permanently residing here. The cost of living across the Queenstown Lakes District as a whole is high, while mean earnings across the district are lower than the national average. (source: Infometrics)

    Top of mind issues faced by local people and businesses today include cost of living pressures, a lack of affordable housing, housing and health infrastructure needs, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining workers. We have no ​​​​social housing, local refuge or respite care facilities. Many of us move to the district with little to no social network or family support. When people experience difficulties – financial trouble, relationship breakup, mental health issues, substance abuse, health concerns – there is often little option but to leave.

    What kind of community do we want to be?

    Link to article by Ian Walker / Chair of Community Link Charitable Trust – “If you can’t afford to live here, why don’t you leave?” – A Community Reality Check

    QLDC Quality of Life survey

    “This year, 30% of respondents have sufficient disposable income, and 39% have some disposable income. Twenty five percent have no disposable income, and 4% cannot meet their basic needs. This year, the proportion of respondents with no disposable income has significantly increased, and the proportion of those with some disposable income has decreased.” quality-of-life-survey-2024-full-report.pdf

  • Workplace Giving: A simple way to make a big difference

    Workplace Giving: A simple way to make a big difference

    From community fundraisers to volunteering, Kiwis love to give back. But one of the most powerful — and often underutilised —ways to support causes we care about is workplace giving. 

    Craigs Investment Partners established a Workplace Giving Programme in 2019, which over the past 6 years has collectively donated more than $1m to charities nationwide. Craigs employees opt into the programme, donating directly from their pay, with the company matching contributions dollar for dollar up to an agreed limit. There are more than 20 Craigs branches across Aotearoa New Zealand, and each office determines which local charity organisations they wish to support each year.  

    The success of Craigs workplace giving program demonstrates how businesses can make a meaningful difference in their communities through structured giving programs that foster a culture of collective goodwill in the workplace. 

    How Workplace Giving Works 

    Workplace giving allows employees to give a small, regular amount from each payroll. The process is simple: 

    1. Employees opt in – They select a charity (or multiple charities) and set up an automatic deduction. 
    2. Employers may match donations – Many businesses boost impact encourage local giving by matching employee contributions dollar-for-dollar. 
    3. Tax benefits apply –Employees receive a 33.33% tax credit for each donation (no need to claim at year-end). So if you donate $7.50, only $5 is deducted from your net pay.

    Studies show that workplaces with giving programmes have: 

    • Higher staff morale 
    • Stronger team connection 
    • Increased pride in their employer

    Craigs are just one example of the many Workplace Giving success stories across Aotearoa New Zealand. Workplace Giving makes it easy for employees to donate regular amounts and for employers to multiply the impact of that generosity, to support amazing local causes.

  • The Ripple Effect of a Bequest

    The Ripple Effect of a Bequest

    Many people don’t imagine how far their generosity will stretch. The beauty of the community foundation model is how endowment funds grow over time. Bequests made to Community Foundations are not only preserved, they are multiplied, supporting causes that align with your wishes and creating a lasting impact in your community. 

    Why Bequests Matter 

    You don’t need to be wealthy to leave a legacy. Whether large or small, all bequests will grow through professional stewardship, making a transformational difference to your favourite causes.

    A Gift That Keeps Giving 

    Unlike a one-off donation, a bequest is invested in an endowment fund, where the capital remains intact while the investment earnings fund grants every year—forever.

    • The gift isn’t just spent—it is multiplied.
    • Local charities receive reliable, ongoing funding—rain or shine.
    • Bequests inspire others to give in the same way, creating a ripple effect of generosity.

    Could your will leave a legacy that will live on?

  • What Inspires Us: The legacy of Graham and Olive West

    What Inspires Us: The legacy of Graham and Olive West

    The story of Graham and Olive West stands as a testament to the enduring power of generosity and vision. This remarkable couple, who moved to Wānaka in the 1950s, left behind a legacy that has enriched the lives of countless individuals. Their story is one of humble beginnings, deep community connection, and a commitment to giving back—even beyond their lifetime. 

    Graham and Olive West established the Graham and Olive West Charitable Trust in 1987, naming the Upper Clutha community as its beneficiary. Their wish was simple yet profound: to see their wealth used to uplift and support the community they cherished. The trust has distributed over $1 million over the past decade, funding initiatives that align with the Wests’ vision—supporting children, seniors, the disabled, medical equipment, emergency services, and community well-being.

    “Their wish was simple yet profound: to see their wealth used to uplift and support the community they cherished”. 

    One of the trust’s most significant contributions was a $100,000 grant to fund the hot pool at Wānaka’s Recreation Centre. This community asset offers recreational enjoyment, hydrotherapy for athletes, and a healing space for those recovering from illness or injury. It is a fitting tribute to Graham and Olive, whose love for their community and connection to water inspired their philanthropy. 

    In establishing the Aspiring Community Foundation, we are inspired by similar stories of generosity within our local communities. Yet, as we celebrate these legacies, we also reflect on what could have been achieved with greater collaboration. Had Graham and Olive been able to pool their resources with other like-minded individuals during their lifetime, their impact could have been amplified, creating an even stronger foundation for community growth. Their story reminds us: when we give together, we can achieve extraordinary things.