Community
When Southlanders talk about looking after our own, we're often thinking about the here and now, the clubs, services, and programmes that make a difference today. The Southland Foundation adds another layer by encouraging and connecting local generosity with causes in our community, whether through creating an endowment fund, leaving a gift in a Will or establishing a fund in memory of someone special or for a community group.
Put simply, through the Southland Foundation gifts are invested with returns distributed to support Invercargill and Southland charities and community projects. These original donations continue to grow creating a lasting fund for the region that will provide support for the people, places and communities of Invercargill and Southland for generations to come.
This year, the ILT Board approved a further $75,000 towards Southland Foundation's operational costs. That follows $150,000 in support over the previous two years, bringing ILT's total contribution to $225,000 and helping the Foundation through its formative years to grow a model of local giving that will deliver long-term benefits.
Launched in May 2024, Southland Foundation is one of 18 community foundations across New Zealand. Through endowments, bequests and donations, community foundations create a permanent pool of local capital, with returns distributed over time to help the community.
Southland Foundation General Manager Robyn Koehler says early operational support has been crucial.
"Operational support is critical for a community foundation, especially in its early years. ILT's support of Southland Foundation's operating costs strengthens the essential work that sits behind every endowment, bequest and donation."
Robyn says the response from the community has exceeded expectations, acknowledging the incredible generosity that exists locally.
"We never imagined the level of interest there would be from the outset. It is a privilege to work alongside donors, to understand what matters most to them, and to connect that generosity with causes close to their hearts."
She describes a community foundation's growth as something that builds steadily over time beginning with building awareness, relationships and trust, then growing momentum as community support deepens. At the heart of that growth is credibility, connection and people having confidence in the Foundation.
"Support from local funders such as ILT helps build that understanding and trust, giving the model credibility and helping donors feel confident their generosity will stay local and keep making a difference over time."
Today Southland Foundation looks after 18 funds, these are a mixture of named endowment funds, sub regional funds and community group funds supporting areas like Friends of the Stadium, rural and literacy initiatives, Fiordland communities and the Rugby Southland fund which is aimed at supporting grassroots rugby into the future.
ILT Chair Paddy O'Brien said supporting the Foundation fits well with ILT's purpose.
"At ILT, we exist for our community, so supporting the Southland Foundation is a natural fit. Their model is about growing a lasting community asset, one that will support Southland causes not just today, but for generations to come."
"We're proud to have backed the Foundation in its early years to help build a strong base so that local generosity can keep working here for years to come."