As Manukau is a young city with 42% of the population under the age of 25 it is perhaps not surprising that there was a distinct youth focus to grants this year with over half of the awards given to youth mentoring and development programmes. Funded programmes included a twelve month discovery programme for youth with low self esteem run by Manukau Youth Development Trust under the Project K banner and the Big Buddy Mentoring Trust who will provide long term mentors to fatherless boys in the Manukau region. The other successful applicants included Auckland Workers Educational Association, Clendon Manurewa Whanau/ Family Support Services Trust, Iosis Family Solutions, New Zealand Sikh Women's Association, Papatoetoe Adolescent Christian Trust and Smoothstream.

This year, the Foundation received over twice as many applications for the funding and financial requests represented over five times the available funding pool. Whilst on the positive side this is reflective of an intense interest in the development of grassroots community initiatives, it is also indicative of the financial pressures that many organisations are facing in the current economic climate.

Mark Bentley, Chief Executive of the Foundation stated:
"It was a very difficult year to make awards this year due to the high number and quality of the applications from grassroots organisations. We noticed that the financial circumstances of the majority of applicants had deteriorated over the last year and that gives cause for concern.

"As the Foundation is a fundraiser as well as a grantmaker we hope that some of the funds we raise over the coming year could be used to support the worthy ventures we could not help this grants round. If anyone is looking to personally support grassroots community development in their local area through individual or company contributions we would love to talk to them."

"The Manukau Community Foundation thanks everyone for applying and congratulates all those who have received grants. We applaud your important local work which continues to make Manukau a great place to live."

The board of Manukau Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Bentley as our new Chief Executive in late June 2009.

For the most recent four years Mark was General Manager of the New Zealand Leadership Institute, a leadership research and development centre based at the University of Auckland Business School. Prior to that, he managed the Business School's "world class business school" fundraising campaign as Director of Marketing and Advancement. Mark has lived in New Zealand for eight years having emigrated from the UK in 2001.

"There's no doubt that money supply is tighter but the real question is what's going to happen as the impact of the recession deepens?"

Marion Webster, Trustee of the Manukau Community Foundation, and Chairperson of the Melbourne Community Foundation, shares her thoughts on philanthropy in tougher economic times.  Read the entire article...

" lose your colours, not your lives".

They are also putting their "money where their mouths are" to help youth reach their potential in the hope that others may do the same!

The recently released report from the UK Charities Commission¹ has some interesting findings on just how much people do trust their local charities and the factors that influence that trust.

According to the press release issued by the UK Charities Commission "More people are giving time and goods to charity now than said they did three years ago as public trust has increased.

A generous donation has been granted towards supporting youth development to the Papatoetoe Boxing Club.

This is in line with the wishes of a donor to the Manukau Community Foundation who requests to remain anonymous.

The April 1 increase in the tax rebates that are now available on charitable donations have been well publicised in the professional media but perhaps not so well profiled in mainstream media.

New Government legislation now means there is a significant increase in the tax rebates available to personal and company charitable donations.

The Board of Trustees advise that after over 7 years service working for the Manukau Community Foundation strengthening communities that the CEO has resigned her position to pursue other opportunities.

The Board wishes her well with her future endeavours.

The Manukau Community Foundation congratulates Frucor Beverages Ltd (New Zealand) for being the recipient of the Manukau Community Foundation Business Contribution to the Community Award 2008.

This award was presented at the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards ceremony in September.

Helping new settlers to ‘survive and thrive' is the theme of the latest community grants awarded by the Manukau Community Foundation.

Just under $50,000 has been granted to 5 community groups which provide a range of social support services to new settlers.