Finding creative solutions


 

In an article submitted to the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisation's magazine, the Trust explains the impact its strategic shift will have on  grants for Auckland and Northland.

 

 

Chairman Kevin Prime at the launch of the Trust's new name and logo - a visual symbol of a new approach.

For years the ASB Community Trust has been the “bricks and mortar” trust for Auckland and Northland.

Got a big building project on your hands? Go to ASB Community Trust. Buying an important piece of land? Put in a funding application.

The grants figures back that up. We now make grants worth $55 million a year and, since 1988, 66 of those grants have been worth more than $1 million.

We’ve been a major player in building regional infrastructure - but recently that has changed.

Yes the Trust still funds major building projects, but trustees and staff have recognised that what many organisations need is help with programme and running costs.

In the last 18 months the Trust has been moving toward partnership with organisations that are able to find creative solutions. As a strategic funder we are moving towards making sizeable investments over a long period of time. As an innovative funder, our focus is turning toward supporting organisational development and capacity building.

The key to these relationships is partnerships and mutually agreed objectives. We want to work in partnership with social service agencies and identify the best ways to support the communities that they serve.

In addressing the needs of the community as a whole - and in particular those who have least access to resources – we seeks a balance between social and economic needs and broader recreational, cultural and environmental requirements.

Funding policies are being reviewed and new policies are being developed that are responsive and flexible, while staff are developing a strategy to recognise the needs of Maori and Pasifika communities. In short, the Trust aims to be proactive and identify areas where we can take a leading role in achieving positive social outcomes.

What that means is that the Trust is receptive to applications that build capacity within not-for-profit organisations and that have positive community outcomes. When assessing applications, staff will be looking for evidence that a project contributes to the enhancement of equity and the enrichment of society.

We want to work with the diverse peoples of Auckland/Northland to address social issues, meet educational and community needs, improve equity between groups and reduce poverty through innovative educational, social and economic programmes.

Our aim is to help citizens become actively involved in society by participating in community activities, the arts and culture, sport and recreation. If that’s a goal that resonates with you, give the ASB Community Trust’s office a ring on 0800 272 878 to find out more.