Expediting the growth of community philanthropy

2023 Winston Churchill Fellowship Report

For the philanthropy and funding sectors and government in Aotearoa NZ

Download the 2023 report 'Expediting the growth of community philanthropy' here >>

Aotearoa faces great challenges and it’s becoming increasingly evident that the New Zealand government and the existing funding sector cannot address all the current issues of society. New philanthropy, from private individuals and the business sector, must form a part of the solution.

The good news is that we have a major opportunity sitting on our doorstep: the biggest intergenerational wealth transfer the world has ever seen: the baby boomer wealth- estimated to be around $1.25T in Aotearoa New Zealand- and transferring to the next generation over the next 20 years. There is no doubt that, with skill and significant know-how, a percentage of this wealth can be unlocked and steered towards community-led solutions.

How do we do this? Eleanor Cater has been exploring international philanthropy ecosystems in the UK and Canada and outlines a roadmap for philanthropy growth, with community foundations firmly at the centre of community-led development.

"Community foundations are just as important in the landscape as local government structures, but they are far less well known. Their potential to unlock philanthropy and to steer resources to where they are needed in communities, to enable local self-determination, is immense", Dame Fran Wilde.

Thank you to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and Community Foundations of NZ for your support for this Fellowship research project, ngā mihi nui.