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Make a real difference
with your generosity

Most people give because they want to make some kind of difference. With so many causes and requests to choose from - you might consider these tips to be more effective with your generosity.

Tips from Philanthropy NZ's Chair
  • Decide what change you want to see in the world
  • Pay a visit to learn more about the reality of what the organisation does
  • Ask questions, such as what percentage of money goes to frontline services
  • Check the books - view annual returns on the Charities Register
  • Look up the IRD donee register to see if your donation qualifies you for a tax refund
  • Don't automatically assume cheap is better
  • Avoid scams and dodgy fundraisers

You can read more about each of these tips on Stuff
(based on an August 2011 interview with PNZ Chair Kate Frykberg)

 

The grantmaking cycle

The pathway for every grantmaker will be different, depending on a range of factors. Grantmakers have different funding priorities and philosophies, but there are some essential steps to consider in your approach.

See www.giving.org..nz/grantmaking/cycle

 

The Grantmakers Toolkit

This Toolkit contains ideas, observations and challenges to support any grantmaker, whether a beginner or a seasoned player, whether staff, trustee, personal donor or advisor.

Tailor-made for people who are already giving money or thinking about it, you will find practical information, worksheets and checklists, personal perspectives and selected case studies of promising practices to illustrate successful work of grantmakers in the field. Toolkits are intended for anyone who has an interest in getting the best out of their grantmaking.

You can order a copy from Philanthropy NZ, email info@philanthropy.org.nz or call 04 499 4090.
Cost per copy: Philanthropy NZ member: $50+ GST; Non-members: $75 +GST
Postage and packaging within NZ + $8
Purchase 5 or more Toolkits and receive a 10% discount.

 

Options for giving

This summary from Philanthropy NZ can help you decide how best to support a cause.  The table shows the different levels of involvement and complexity of bequests, sponsorship, establishing your own trust or donating to an existing foundation.

 

Philanthropy – a catalyst for social change

Former Philanthropy NZ chair, Jenny Gill shares her experience of effective, good philanthropic and grantmaking practice.

 

Tax effective giving

A summary of the tax rules applying to giving and the charitable sector.

 

Brief case studies of philanthropy in action

Timeless ideas you could put into practice for yourself.

 

Outcomes and measures

An increasing number of non-profit organisations are taking systematic approaches to measuring their effectiveness and results.  Shifting from measuring outputs to measuring outcomes can also help organisations - and communities - create a picture of what success will look like, and how much progress they've made towards this.

Familiarising yourself with some of the outcome-focused ways of planning could help you to decide which groups or causes are working in ways that give you confidence that they really are making a difference. 

These links could help you build your understanding of these approaches: