Waimate District Fund

Raewyn Francis, chair of the Waimate District Charitable Foundation, signs the Memorandum of Understanding for the Waimate District Fund

Waimate’s Legacy of Giving Grows Stronger: A New Partnership for Community Good

A new chapter in Waimate’s story of generosity has begun. The Waimate District Charitable Foundation (WDCF) and the Aoraki Foundation have signed a landmark agreement to establish a permanent endowment fund for the Waimate District—ensuring that local charitable gifts will support the community for generations to come.

The Waimate District Fund will be professionally managed by the Aoraki Foundation, whose proven smarter giving model and robust investment stewardship will safeguard and grow the fund over time. Annual distributions will be directed to WDCF, which will lead local grantmaking and community engagement—ensuring that every dollar supports the causes closest to Waimate’s heart.

“This is about building something enduring,” says Raewyn Francis, Chair of WDCF. “We’re proud to partner with Aoraki to create a fund that will keep giving back to Waimate, year after year.”

The partnership is already bearing fruit. A local couple has made a generous bequest toward the fund—an early and heartfelt vote of confidence in the vision for Waimate’s future.

Richard Spackman, Chief Executive of the Aoraki Foundation, sees this as a natural evolution of regional philanthropy. “We’re honoured to support Waimate in building its own legacy. This fund will be a safe, transparent home for local generosity, and a powerful tool for community-led change.”

While the official public launch is planned for early next year, the fund is now open for contributions. Whether through a donation, a bequest, or a named endowment, every gift will help build a stronger, more resilient Waimate.

To learn more or explore ways to give, visit the fund webpage.

Together, WDCF and the Aoraki Foundation are planting the seeds of a lasting legacy—one rooted in local pride, shared purpose, and the belief that generosity should always begin at home.