YMCA Tauranga Board Of Directors Approves An Unprecedented Policy
At a recent YMCA Tauranga Board meeting a resolution was passed that established the first formal Board Giving Policy in the YMCA New Zealand movement and possibly in New Zealand. Kevin Kerr, Board President, explains “This Board has already left an incredible legacy for the YMCA Tauranga by way of our building. But I would argue that our job is not yet done in this arena. We believe it is our role to be innovative and to set the standard for leadership not only among the National Council of YMCAs but also among non-profit organisations in New Zealand.”
The policy is as follows:
We recognize that charitable giving is a
personal decision and that board members have varying
capacities to give. With that said, to demonstrate our
commitment to our mission, each member of the board shall
make an annual cash donation to the YMCA Tauranga which s/he
considers is meaningful.
The establishment of
this policy is the first step in a comprehensive fundraising
campaign to cement the YMCA Tauranga’s long term financial
security. The second step was to establish a named endowment
fund with the Acorn Foundation so that contributions from
the Board, along with funds raised from the fundraising
plan, go directly to the named fund.
“It is quite an amazing thing that the Y has done. Even the Acorn Foundation doesn’t have a formal written policy about giving. I applaud the Board of the Y for setting such a high standard and the Acorn Foundation is honored to be a part of this legacy” says Bill Holland, Chairman of the Acorn Foundation.
CEO Amy Thaler explains, “much of what I focus on is establishing systems, policy and process that will ensure the long term future of our YMCA. The endowment fund at Acorn will grow in perpetuity and will always be there for the YMCA and our community. No one can mess with it. My hope is that we can raise $50,000 within two years and then continue to grow it from there. The potential is unlimited.”
The YMCA Tauranga has been delivering quality services for 30 years. The current vision is to create an environment where our local people can shine.
ENDS