On the day of our AGM, we were absolutely delighted to announce receipt of $1m to establish a new fund to support vulnerable underprivileged Nelson Tasman families.  The incredible donation was made by a couple soon returning to settle in the region after careers overseas and retirement from Goldman Sachs.  The couple had been looking for a mechanism to support meaningful contributions in their soon-to-be home region, using their endowment built in the UK with ‘Goldman Sachs Gives, a charitable enterprise set up for Goldman Sachs employees.  The couple met with Gavin early in 2021 to learn about the Top of the South Community Foundation and left with a genuine appreciation for how the Community Foundation model positively impacts local communities.

 They quickly agreed the TotSCF would provide the perfect means to achieve their vision, and then the due diligence and paperwork process began, primarily to ensure compliance with GSG rules.  Patience proved to be a virtue over the following months. Between GSG, the couple, CAF America as the gifting intermediary, and your Community Foundation, the fund was formally established in October 2021 when the funds were wired to New Zealand.

Foundation Executive Officer Gavin Larsen said, “Our new donors arrive back in NZ in late January 2022 to settle in their Tasman home; we are all looking forward to working with them to support causes they love in our fantastic part of the world.”

Foundation Chair Dave Ashcroft said, “This is a truly amazing gift that will support genuine impact in the region and caps off a great year of positive growth for the Top of the South Community Foundation.”