A plan for a half billion-dollar investment into Auckland and Northland

Foundation North will put around half a billion dollars into Auckland and Northland over the next fifteen years – and a new strategic plan to guide that investment is being launched today.

“Our grants to community organisations and initiatives are likely to total around $35 million to $40 million a year for the foreseeable future,” says Foundation North chief executive Jennifer Gill.  “Our strategy will help us direct that funding to where it will make the most difference for everyone who lives here.”

Jennifer said that the Foundation’s endowment now totals over $1.2 billion.  “That’s held in trust for our region in perpetuity. That means our trustees can take a long view of how our funding can be used to enhance the lives of everyone who lives in our region.  Our new Strategic Plan is a 15-year road map designed to support that vision.”

 The plan was developed following a review by the Centre for Social Impact of the current and emerging needs of the region.

“The review showed just how quickly the region is changing.  We have rapid population growth, we’re becoming more diverse, and our population is aging.  We have much to celebrate, but there are clear areas of need. We want to make a difference by responding to those with the greatest needs in our communities and support them to create positive social change that will benefit us all.”

The income from the Foundation’s endowment is large enough, Jennifer says, to support a broad range of community organisations and initiatives.

“There are so many organisations doing good work in our communities already. They offer the programmes and events that bring us together and help make this such a great place to live.  We can both support them and take risks and support innovation to find new solutions to the region’s major social and environmental challenges.”

While the strategy has a long-term focus, Jennifer says that it will be reviewed every three years to make sure the Foundation remains focused where the needs are greatest and where its funding can have the most impact. 

“We’re here for our communities, and we want to be responsive as our communities grow and change.”

Click here to read our new strategic plan.

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