Community
Hospice South has a new way to secure funding forever.
The Southland Foundation and Hospice South have launched an endowment fund that will generate returns to support free palliative care across the region for generations.
The endowment model pools donations and invests them, distributing returns over time while preserving the original capital. A sustainable funding stream that grows rather than gets spent.
Hospice South Chief Executive Pete Thompson says the partnership creates certainty for the organisation's future.
"This is about creating certainty," Thompson says. "Hospice South relies on the generosity of our community to continue delivering care. An endowment fund like this allows people to contribute in a way that supports hospice not just today, but for generations to come."
"With demand for our services continuing to grow, having a sustainable funding stream is critical. This partnership gives people confidence that their contribution will have a lasting impact."
Hospice South provides specialist palliative care across Southland and the Wakatipu Basin 24 hours a day, free of charge. The service operates through community support, fundraising and donations.
Southland Foundation General Manager Robyn Koehler says the partnership reflects local generosity.
"Hospice South touches so many lives across our region. This endowment fund ensures that support will continue to grow and give back to our community for generations to come. We are proud to partner on a fund that gives Southlanders a simple and meaningful way to contribute to lasting care and dignity in our community."
The Southland Foundation connects local generosity with community causes, part of a national network of community foundations.
Donors can make one-off contributions, ongoing donations, or leave gifts in their wills. The money grows over time rather than being spent immediately.
Thompson says the initiative reflects Southlanders' deep connection with hospice care.
"Almost every family in our region has been touched by hospice in some way. This fund is a way for people to give back to a service that has been there for them or their loved ones. It is incredibly special to be able to offer a way for that support to continue well into the future."
The fund is now open, with contributions of any size welcomed.