Kura Tāwhiti Foundation Welcomes Council Backing for Local Philanthropy

Kura Tāwhiti – Canterbury Community Foundation is pleased to announce that it is set to receive a further $220,000 in operational funding for the 2026-27 financial year. This support, which comes from the Council's Capital Endowment Fund and is not funded by ratepayers, will enable the Foundation to continue its mission of growing giving to benefit communities in Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri now and for generations to come.

Kura Tāwhiti Foundation Co-Chair, Dr. Anake Goodall, says the Council’s decision is a significant endorsement of the Foundation’s fresh organisational strategy and commitment to serving the community. 

“This funding provides the springboard for us to build on the progress of last year’s reset and continue connecting local generosity with our region’s evolving needs. With this renewed vote of confidence, we can continue growing our endowment funds, support a wider range of community initiatives and further our mission to create a more resilient, inclusive and thriving future for everyone in Greater Ōtautahi.”

Kura Tāwhiti Foundation’s revised strategy and refreshed brand are centered on building sustainable endowment funds for future generations, and on supporting other for-purpose organisations to grow their impact.

The Foundation is forecast to distribute $445,000 to the wider Christchurch community in the 2025-26 financial year.

This includes the launch of Impact100 Canterbury, which joins the global collective giving movement for women and is set to distribute $32,000 in community impact grants this year.

Ongoing support continues for families directly affected by the March 15 attacks through the Our People, Our City (OPOC) tertiary scholarships, in addition to the newly launched Life Fulfilled Fund, an endowment supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Canterbury.

Environmental sustainability remains a key focus, with more than 1,400 trees planted through the “Plant a Tree for Canterbury” campaign, also contributing to long-term environmental outcomes via the Green Philanthropy Fund.

The partnership with Council is a key pillar in the Foundation’s plan to deliver its vision of thriving, inclusive communities and a cherished environment for future generations. This includes strengthening regional resilience and preparedness, with initiatives such as the February 2026 Storm Damage Repair Fund demonstrating how coordinated philanthropic support can help communities respond and recover more effectively

The Foundation will continue to foster public–private partnerships and act as a trusted steward for community generosity, ensuring funding is directed where it can have the greatest long-term impact.

Colin Mansbridge, newly appointed Co-Chair alongside Dr Goodall, says:

“Our role is to connect those who wish to give with the areas of greatest need and opportunity across our region. This latest Council investment strengthens our capability and capacity to deliver on that purpose with integrity, transparency, and tangible impact.”

Kura Tāwhiti – Canterbury Community Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that make a lasting difference for all Cantabrians and welcomes new donors, partners, and community members to join its mission.