Aoraki Foundation is South Canterbury’s community foundation. We help people, families, businesses and community organisations create lasting impact through charitable giving. Donations are invested and managed locally, creating an ongoing source of funding for the causes and communities people care about.

Community Foundations are independent charitable organisations that help people give back to their local communities in a simple, effective, and lasting way. Donations are invested and managed locally, creating permanent funding streams that support charities, causes, and community projects for generations to come. Aoraki Foundation is the Community Foundation for South Canterbury.

Both approaches are important. Donations made directly to charities help meet immediate needs and fund day-to-day operations. Giving through Aoraki Foundation creates a permanent source of funding for the future. Your gift is invested, and the income generated supports charitable causes year after year. Many people choose to do both—supporting causes today while also creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

Yes. Some donors enjoy publicly sharing their philanthropic journey, while others prefer to give quietly. We respect your wishes and can ensure your gift and distributions remain anonymous if that is your preference.

No. People from all walks of life give through Aoraki Foundation. Donations of any size are welcome. Some donors establish named funds, while others make one-off or regular contributions to existing funds. Every gift helps strengthen South Canterbury.

Yes. Businesses can establish funds, make one-off or regular donations, support specific community projects, or include charitable giving as part of their social responsibility programme.

Yes. Existing charitable trusts, incorporated societies and community organisations can transfer assets or establish an endowment fund with Aoraki Foundation. This can reduce governance and administration responsibilities while ensuring funds continue supporting their intended purpose into the future.

Donations made to Aoraki Foundation are generally eligible for New Zealand charitable donation tax credits. Individual donors may be able to claim back 33.33% of eligible donations, up to the amount of tax they have paid during the year. Businesses may also be eligible for tax deductions. We recommend seeking advice from your accountant or financial adviser regarding your specific circumstances.

Yes. Gifts do not have to be cash. Subject to approval and appropriate processes, we can accept a range of assets including shares, property, and other investments. If you are considering gifting a significant asset, we would be pleased to discuss the options available and how your gift can achieve the greatest impact.

A bequest is a gift made through your will.

An endowment is a gift that is invested so the capital is preserved, while the income it generates is distributed to support charitable causes year after year. This means your generosity keeps giving, forever.

Leaving a gift in your will is a simple way to create a lasting legacy for South Canterbury. We provide a free service to help guide you through the process . You will also want to discuss your intentions with your lawyer, who can help include a charitable bequest in your will. Your gift can support a specific charity, a cause you care about, or the wider South Canterbury community.

Every family situation is different. Many people choose to provide for their loved ones first and then leave a portion of their estate to support causes they care about. A charitable bequest is often a way of expressing gratitude for the community that has contributed to their lives and success.

Starting a fund is easier than many people expect. Simply contact the Aoraki Foundation team for an initial conversation about the causes that matter to you and the impact you would like to create. We will work with you to determine the most appropriate type of fund and guide you through the simple establishment process. Once your fund is established, we take care of the governance, administration, investment management, and reporting, allowing you to focus on the difference your giving makes.

Yes. Donors can choose to support specific charities, causes, or areas of community need. Alternatively, donors can leave decisions to the Foundation’s Trustees through the General Impact Fund. Each year funding will be directed to where it can have the greatest community impact.

One of the benefits of giving through Aoraki Foundation is flexibility for the future. If a charity ceases to operate, the Foundation can redirect funding to organisations with similar charitable purposes, ensuring your wishes continue to be honoured and your gift remains relevant.

The Foundation generally makes distributions annually from endowment funds. The amount distributed will depend on the purpose of the fund, investment performance, and the Foundation's distribution policy. Our goal is to balance supporting today's community needs while preserving and growing funds for future generations.

Funding decisions are made in accordance with the donor's wishes and the charitable purpose of the fund. Where appropriate, the Foundation's Trustees or bespoke distribution committees undertake due diligence to ensure recipient organisations are aligned with the fund's objectives and are delivering meaningful community benefit. This process helps ensure donations are managed responsibly and effectively.

Yes. Many donors choose to involve their children, grandchildren, or wider family in their charitable giving. Depending on the type of fund established, future generations can continue to provide input into the causes and charities supported, helping to carry forward your family's values and commitment to the community.

The Trust Deed stipulates that the on-going governance of the Aoraki Foundation is subject to strict criteria. Three of the nine trustees are appointed by the region’s Mayors. Two must have legal and/or accountancy expertise and one is appointed with consultation from Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury.

All funds are invested with reputable national investment companies – Forsyth Barr and Craigs Investment Partners. A dedicated investment committee ensures these investments are in the best interest of the community. The Foundation’s Statement of Investment Policy & Objectives (SIPO) is available on request.  

Our funds are invested under the oversight of the Foundation’s Investment and Finance Committee. Investments are managed day-today by our professional fund mangers Craigs Investment partners and Forsyth Barr. We have a long-term focus to protect and grow the capital while generating annual distributions for charitable causes. Regular reporting and governance processes ensure accountability and transparency.

There is no compulsory set-up fee. A voluntary contribution towards establishment costs is welcomed for larger funds. An annual administration fee applies to help cover governance, compliance, reporting and fund management. These costs are significantly lower than establishing and managing a private charitable trust.