Giving through the Aoraki Foundation allows you to create long‑term impact.

Your gift can be:

• Invested to support causes in perpetuity

• Directed to specific charities or community needs

• Managed locally with strong governance and oversight

If a charity you support today no longer exists in the future, the Foundation can ensure your gift continues to benefit the community in line with your wishes.

We always advocate to consider and look after your family first. We also advise any donor to talk with family about their philanthropic plans for the community.

Family are often very supportive of a portion of an estate going to their community especially if they themselves have benefited from a good start to life in South Canterbury. Children of our donors often tell us how proud they are to see South Canterbury be a better place as a result of their parent’s generosity.

There is no compulsory set up fee for an endowment fund with the Aoraki Foundation, however we suggest a voluntary donation of $3,000 to cover the initial costs of establishing a named fund. Aoraki Foundation receives an administration fee to cover overheads and operating costs. At present this is set to a maximum of 1.5% p.a. of the value of the fund. This rate is a fraction of the costs that would be incurred establishing a private fund outside of a Community Foundation.

Distributions will vary depending on the nature and the purpose of the fund. In general the Aoraki Foundation aims to distribute between 3% and 5% of the value of the fund each year depending on the investment return.

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.  

Establishing a fund with the Aoraki Foundation avoids many of the set up fees and ongoing costs of privately managed funds.

With the Aoraki Foundation there will be guaranteed perpetual trusteeships to manage the fund after the donor and the donor’s advisers have passed on.

There are the obvious economies of scale (as all the Foundation’s funds are invested together), which lead to savings in administration and fees, meaning more money for your intended recipients.

You may choose to give just a little every year, working towards a “named fund” either during your lifetime or beyond. In the meantime, what you have donated will earn interest and make a difference through general distributions.