The Funding Network returns to raise $$$ for Kiwi Charities

The Funding Network returns to raise $$$ for Kiwi charities

The Funding Network (TFN) is back – with a mission to raise much-needed funds for Kiwi charities in a fun and philanthropic way.

Last year’s live crowd-funding event, a first for New Zealand, saw dozens of generous Kiwis pledge more than $51,000 to four charities in just 34 minutes. With a third matched by the Macquarie Group Foundation, and further subsequent donations, the final total grew to more than $160,000.

“One donor, who pledged $3,000 on the night, was so impressed with the concept they came back to us afterwards and made another $80,000 donation - $40,000 each for two of the charities. Now that is truly big-hearted philanthropy,” says Hilary Sumpter, CEO of Auckland Communities Foundation which helps run The Funding Network, with support from Philanthropy New Zealand.

The Funding Network is now calling for applications from charities who want to take part in the second event – to be held in Auckland on Thursday, 4 June. Applications close on Thursday, 16 April, and the chosen charities will be announced in early May. For details, go to: http://www.thefundingnetwork.org.nz/non-profit-organisations

“Our aim is to support small to medium-sized organisations, for which $10,000 would make a genuinely useful contribution. In New Zealand, this means charities with an average turnover up to $500,000 a year,” says Hilary.

After Auckland in June, The Funding Network plans to hold a third event in Wellington later this year and then take the concept to other regional cities around the country.

Often described as “Dragon’s Den for charities”, The Funding Network was launched in London in 2002 by philanthropist and art dealer Dr Frederick Mulder. It has since spread around the world, with more than 150 TFN events held, 750 charities supported and at least NZD $13 million raised. Pledges start at $100.

Dr Mulder, who came to Auckland for the first NZ event, says The Funding Network aims to democratise philanthropy by providing an attractive and easy way in for new givers.

“The environment we create inspires people to raise more as a group than they could as individuals,” says Dr Mulder. “It also encourages people to give more than just money. Our guests hear about new solutions to community issues, they ask questions, and then they pledge support to social entrepreneurs who have big ideas but limited resources.”

The Macquarie Group Foundation and Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand are key supporters of The Funding Network in New Zealand. They co-sponsored the inaugural event in Auckland last year and will sponsor the events held this year. The Macquarie Group Foundation has also provided a grant to support The Funding Network New Zealand’s operational costs.

“We have seen the impact TFN has had in Australia and wanted New Zealanders to be able to share in that remarkable experience,” says Laurence Fitzpatrick, Head of Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand.

The organisations to benefit from the first event were:

- Tread Lightly Caravan, Auckland’s only mobile environmental classroom

- Nga Rangatahi Toa Creative Arts Initiative which supports young people excluded from mainstream schooling

- Clown Doctors who bring the medicine of laughter to hospitals

- Te Whakaora Tangata Amokura Teen Parents Programme which empowers vulnerable young mothers in south Auckland

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