Spring Update

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Spring has arrived and it's wonderful to see the blossoms around the neighbourhoods in full bloom with families strolling through the parks welcoming the change of season! Over recent months I've taken the opportunity to spend time around Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri, connecting with people who make this place so special and exploring some of this beautiful region. I met with charity and impact leaders, advisors, Councillors and Council staff, donors, business executives and those interested in our mahi, who all shared one thing in common; they want what's best for this region and its communities. And so do we.

At the start of August we launched Impact100 Canterbury. It's great to see the concept of collective giving embraced by our founding members who appreciate the opportunity to connect, learn and collaborate to create change for women and families in our region. September was Wills Month, so we took part in the country-wide campaign to encourage New Zealanders to consider leaving a gift in their Will. It's been heartwarming to read the many stories behind these gifts and envisage the impact they will have for generations to come. And our female entrepreneurs have done it again with yet more inspiring applications to our most recent grant round!

We've got lots more planned to take us from spring to summer.  As always, whether you want to learn more, get involved, or explore ways to make an impact, I would be delighted to hear from you! 

Lynne Umbers

Chief Executive  

Impact100 Canterbury Launches

In the last quarter, we held our Impact100 Canterbury launch event and hosted a breakfast panel with representatives from Aviva and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. We are so excited to have a Giving Circle in Canterbury, bringing people together to pool resources and networks, and creating far greater impact than a single donor could achieve.

Our inaugural circle will support women and families in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri. Founding members commit $1,100 annually and vote each year on how the funds are distributed to selected initiatives. A huge thanks to JBWere and BNZ for their support of this initiative. If you’d like to join or learn more, visit our page below.

Impact100 Canterbury

Give a Christmas Gift that Grows

We know it feels a little early to be talking about Christmas, but it’s never too soon to plan a gift with real meaning. This year, we’re inviting businesses to join us in planting native trees across Canterbury as a way to celebrate the season. Instead of the usual corporate hampers or branded merchandise, why not gift something that will grow for generations?

Every $10 donation plants a native seedling here in our region, while also growing the Green Philanthropy Fund – an endowment dedicated to protecting our whenua, awa, and rerenga rauropi. As these trees grow, they generate carbon credits that will continue to flow back into the Fund, meaning your gift doesn’t just make a difference this Christmas: it keeps giving for generations to come.

If you’d like to explore how your business can get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Lynne at lynne.umbers@christchurchfoundation.org.nz 

Women Entrepreneurs Fund Announcement in October

The Women Entrepreneurs Fund continues to champion groundbreaking solutions from Canterbury's female innovators. Having already supported two funding rounds in 2025, our generous lead donor, Joy Shivas, has once again extended her commitment to the women of Canterbury.

Women Entrepreneur Fund winners Bonnie Humphrey and Averill Moser-Rust at the launch of Funded in South Australia earlier this year.

This is the most popular fund the Christchurch Foundation has run to date, with over 100 applicants reaching out through our channels for the chance to secure vital support for their businesses. We know that female entrepreneurs face many barriers, and Joy is determined to support as many women as possible to stay focused on their businesses through the various stages of development.

Keep an eye on our social pages to see the winners announced later in October.

Fruitful Futures for Christchurch

Imagine city green spaces that not only provide shade and beauty but also offer free fresh fruit for the whole community to enjoy. Following the vision set out in the city’s Food Resilience Policy, we’re working with Council and community groups to plant and care for more fruit trees in Ōtautahi Christchurch.With the right support, these trees will do more than feed us – they’ll enhance biodiversity, provide habitat for local fauna, and strengthen the connection between people and place. Funding packages start from $3,000, covering both the planting of trees and covering both planting and maintenance of trees and the collection and distribution of remaining harvests. It’s a gift that nourishes both today and tomorrow. If you or your business would like to help grow this project, we’d love to hear from you. Email Lynne on lynne.umbers@christchurchfoundation.org.nz.