North Shore charities and the local community groups will be better off thanks to a dedicated new fund launched in June with the support of Sir Stephen Tindall.
The North Shore Endowment Fund has been established by Auckland Community Foundation to create a new source of funding to support North Shore charities so they can continue make a positive difference to the lives of local people in need.
At the launch at Lake House Arts Centre in Takapuna, Sir Stephen spoke of his enthusiasm and support for the Community Foundation model. Based on an international model of philanthropy, it centres on the notion of place-based giving; people giving back to a specific geographic region which holds significance to them. The beauty of this, is that it is a gift that keeps on giving forever.
“The North Shore Fund is a fantastic way for local Shore residents to make a lasting, positive contribution to this beautiful part of Auckland we call home. Locals can open a ‘living fund’ or leave a gift in their will to local causes close to their hearts. This new fund will manage the donation on their behalf, ensuring it makes a significant difference to those who need it the most.”
Sir Stephen’s own Foundation, The Tindall Foundation, has been instrumental in the establishment of Community Foundations throughout New Zealand and the model has proven itself both here and internationally.
He referred to the fact that the good life we enjoy today is a result of past generosity of our forebears. “We have the opportunity through Community Foundations to leave the same legacy to the next generations,” he said.
Geoff Clews, the Chair of Auckland Communities Foundation and North Shore resident, announced his own donation of $5000 while speaking of his support for the Fund. He encouraged others to contribute donations and bequests to build a permanent endowment for the North Shore, noting that, “The North Shore is a great place to live, but it’s not great for everyone and it has its issues just like any other part of Auckland.”
Auckland Communities Foundation will be administering the Fund, investing the capital to generate an income that can support local causes long into the future. An Advisory Committee comprising five North Shore residents will manage the charitable distributions when the fund reaches $100,000.
The current Advisory Committee of Joseph Bergin, Chris Reeves and Geoff Clews will be supplemented by two more philanthropically minded members yet to be appointed.
Auckland Communities Foundation (ACF) is a Philanthropy Services Trust, which has supported a range of community needs and initiatives in the Auckland region over the years, including the arts, sports, social services, and youth.
ACF has also been a Tindall Foundation Funding Manager for Auckland since 2012, and has distributed over $1M in that time, reaching the grassroots in communities throughout Auckland.