Growing community philanthropy

"Growing community philanthropy is an action, not a concept"

2023 Winston Churchill Fellowship Report, for the philanthropy and funding sectors and government in Aotearoa NZ

Download the 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.

Eleanor Cater has been looking into the influences of the growth of community philanthropy, including enabling conditions for philanthropy to flourish. Her report explores the role of community foundations unlocking local philanthropic resources, empowering communities to lead their own future.

"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 2023 Fellowship research project, ngā mihi nui.