Foundation launches in Gore, advancing collective philanthropy
Southland Foundation was launched in May, a vehicle for collective philanthropy dedicated to fostering a spirit of giving within our community, aiming to create a positive ripple effect that enriches the lives of all generations to come.
The official event in Gore this evening is one of three official events and signifies Southland Foundation's commitment to engaging all communities across the Southland region.
"We are delighted to introduce Southland Foundation in Gore," said Kathryn Ball, Chair of Southland Foundation. "We are providing a vehicle that harnesses the power of local giving for local needs. Southland Foundation firmly believes in nurturing and supporting those in our own backyard, bolstering grassroots charities that strengthen the extraordinary place we proudly call home.”
Southland Foundation is a local and independent community foundation dedicated to fostering philanthropy and driving positive change within the region. With the establishment of Southland Foundation, the community joins a well-established network of 18 community foundations across New Zealand, part of a global movement that has been growing for over a hundred years.
Community foundations have emerged as the fastest-growing form of philanthropy, embodying the ethos of collective giving to address local challenges and amplify community impact. Southland Foundation will serve as a vehicle for Southlanders to give back to their community, empowering them to support charities and causes they are passionate about while ensuring a legacy of support for Southland's future generations.
Arron Perriam, Community Foundations Aotearoa New Zealand (CFANZ), spoke passionately about the power of perpetual giving and the crucial role that community foundations can play in capturing this generosity to build a lasting resource for the region forever. Donors across the national network share a deep passion for their local communities and are committed to making a difference. They place their trust in their local community foundation to invest their gifts thoughtfully, knowing that the resulting investment returns will support their favourite charities or causes in perpetuity. His inspiring words resonated with attendees, highlighting the transformative potential of harnessing the collective generosity of our community.
"We believe that every contribution, no matter how large or small, has the power to make a real difference in Southland," remarked Sarah Hannan, Chief Executive of Southland Foundation. "Together, we can build a legacy of generosity that enriches the lives of present and future Southland generations."
Southland Foundation’s Gore-based Trustee, Sarah Collie, expressed her heartfelt belief in the Foundation and its potential for meaningful impact. “There is such a strong sense of community support here in Gore, and I can see what an incredibly positive opportunity this is for our communities. People can direct their generosity to the local causes that have real significance to them, providing meaningful and enduring impact for donors as well as recipients.”
The Southland Foundation greatly appreciates the invaluable operational support and contribution of its founding partner, SBS Bank, along with its strategic partners ILT, Community Trust South, Distinction Hotel, Murihiku Rūnaka, the Rio Tinto/NZAS Community Development Fund, and Great South.
Furthermore, the Foundation acknowledges its professional partners — including Craigs Investment Partners, Naked Creative, McIntyre Dick & Partners, Cruickshank Pryde, and the Southland Chamber of Commerce — for their generous in-kind support. The coming together of these partners demonstrates the power of collaboration for collective impact.
