Our established funds
Endowment funds provide
certainty of income
Most not-for-profit organisations rely on a range of fundraising approaches in order to make ends meet – grant applications, donations, member contributions, sale of services and so on. But none of these are guaranteed and reliable. An endowment fund provides certainty of income – and, better still, it can be spent where the need is greatest, and at the discretion of trustees and management.
Build a long-term reliable funding stream
Top of the South Community Foundation is not just a grant-maker. We help charitable groups build a long-term reliable funding stream, by setting up an endowment fund.
Talk to us about your legacy
Our Charitable Purposes
Te Puna Hapori | Stronger Communities
Supporting local organisations across Te Tauihu, directed where the need is greatest.
Health & Wellbeing
Funding programmes that improve physical, mental, and community wellbeing.
Youth & Families in Need
Supporting services and organisations that uplift young people and families facing hardship.
Environment & Sustainability
Backing projects that protect and restore our natural environment for future generations.
Infrastructure
Investing in community infrastructure that strengthens access, connectivity, and long-term resilience.
Heritage, Arts & Culture
Supporting the preservation and celebration of our region’s heritage, arts, and cultural identity.
Sport & Recreation
Funding opportunities that promote active, healthy lifestyles through sport and recreation.
Choose where your donation will make a difference — Nelson, Marlborough, Tasman, Golden Bay, or across all of Te Tauihu / Top of the South.
Endowment funds we manage
Fa'avae Pasifika Fund
Funding is offered to support Pasifika youth programmes throughout the Top of the South region.
Community group funds
The following funds have been established with the Foundation to support commmunity group's long-term funding needs:
Age Concern Nelson Tasman Fund
A local charity for people over 65 dedicated to improving the quality of life and wellbeing of older people across the Nelson region. Read more.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Fund
Big Brothers Big Sisters - Nelson Tasman oversees a volunteer mentoring network, providing one-to-one mentoring for kiwi kids facing societal challenges and barriers to achievement. Read more.
Brook Waimarama Sanctuary Trust Fund
The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary is the largest fenced Sanctuary for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island. Read more.
Chandrakirti Meditation Centre Fund
Supporting a peaceful sanctuary for meditation and Buddhist study — for generations to come. Read more.
Clifton Terrace School Legacy Fund
A local primary school in Atawhai has established this endowment fund which will assist with the school’s long-term financial sustainability. Read more.
Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village Special Needs Fund
A group within Ernest Rutherford Retirement Village established this fund which enables the purchase of speciality equipment etc required for their special needs.
Lake Rotoiti Outdoor Education Trust Fund
Lake Rotoiti Outdoor Education Trust has established a Community Group Fund with the Top of the South Community Foundation to ensure longterm affordable access to outdoor education for generations to come. Read more.
Life Linc Counselling Fund
Life Linc Counselling has established a Community Group Fund with the
Top of the South Community Foundation to ensure another 50 years of counselling support for our community. Read more.
Top of the South Community Foundation to ensure another 50 years of counselling support for our community. Read more.
Nelson Anaesthesia Education and Research Fund
This fund assists in developing and maintaining the professionalism of Nelson Hospital theatre staff.
Nelson City Brass Band Fund
Nelson City Brass Band has established a Community Group Fund with the Top of the South Community Foundation to ensure the music keeps
playing for generations to come across the region. Read more.
playing for generations to come across the region. Read more.
Nelson Surf Life Saving Club Community Fund
Nelson Surf Life Saving Club has a proud history of protecting our coastline and serving our community. Built on volunteer commitment and local pride, that legacy continues as we invest in the future of surf lifesaving across the region. Read more
Richmond Riding for Disabled Fund
A charity that provides interaction with horses which assists in developing increased ability, independence and self-esteem for children and adults with physical, intellectual, emotional, and social challenges. Read more.
Te Tauihu Environment Trust Nature Legacy Fund
Te Tauihu Environment Trust has established The Nature Legacy Fund
with the Top of the South Community Foundation to support community led conservation across the top of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Read more.
with the Top of the South Community Foundation to support community led conservation across the top of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Read more.
Theatre Royal Nelson Community Group Fund
Theatre Royal Nelson has established a Community Group Fund with the
Top of the South Community Foundation to ensure the Theatre's lights shine for generations to come. Read more.
Top of the South Community Foundation to ensure the Theatre's lights shine for generations to come. Read more.
The Nelson Women's Centre Flourishing Fund
For 30 years, Nelson Women’s Centre has provided a welcoming place for women to connect, find support and flourish. The Flourishing Futures Fund will help carry this mahi into the future, building a lasting source of income to sustain the Centre’s work for generations to come. Read more.
Zest for Life Fund
A charity committed to assisting people experiencing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) improve their quality of life and wellbeing. Read more.
Distributions from these funds may be used entirely at the discretion of the community group.
“I’d love to come and meet up with you to discuss your gifting options, which may include setting up your own specific fund, or possibly supporting one or more of our existing funds detailed above.”
Chelsea Routhan
CEO - Top of the South Community Foundation
© Top of the South Community Foundation 2026.
Photos from Nelsontasman.nz, Only Marlborough and Unsplash.
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Photos from Nelsontasman.nz, Only Marlborough and Unsplash.
Built by Avoca Web Design