Kia ora koutou, greetings everyone.

I write this as we’re once again locked down for the COVID-19 pandemic, and I do so with real thanks for the ability to work from home, for my wife’s ability to continue her front-line health service role, and for my school-age children being adaptable and resilient. (They in turn are thankful for hi-speed Wifi!)

It’s during times like this that I once again stand in awe of the many passionate volunteers who operate our local charities, not just those doing great work ‘in normal times’ but especially those who step up in challenging times.

And that reassures me about the very important role Community Foundations can play in our communities; growing a base of endowment funds that will allow a difference to be made, forever.

I reflect, too, on the variety of means for success across the Community Foundations of New Zealand network. Funds accumulated from bequests, funds accumulated from ‘living giving’, and funds accumulated from ‘trust transfers’ – where Foundations can remove administrative burden and improve outcomes for the original cause.

So I continue to encourage everyone who finds themself wondering how to have an impact to consider the ‘make a difference forever’ option that Community Foundations provide. It’s ‘Wills Month’ across New Zealand in September, so if you’re in a position to make a new will or update your existing one we can help with the clauses that make giving to a Foundation easy. Or if you’re in a position to establish or support an endowment fund today we can help with that too. Or if you’re a Trustee in an existing Trust and you’re considering its long term future in the face of increased regulation, fees, or effort required, we can help there too. Please just get in touch.

In the meantime, please stay safe, and take care of those around you.

Ngā mihi, kind regards

Dave Ashcroft, Chair, [email protected]