A practical option for local societies and charities 

For many committees, there comes a natural turning point. Some organisations continue for many years. Others reach a stage where trustees are retiring, administration is becoming more complex, or the group feels it has achieved what it set out to do. 

When that time comes, it is important to think carefully about what happens to the funds and the purpose you have worked hard to build. 

Operating a trust or society in the Top of the South has become more demanding. Between changing legislation, the difficulty of recruiting new trustees, and growing administrative expectations, many committees are looking for a better way forward. 

At the Top of the South Community Foundation, we offer a simple and practical way to ensure your mission continues, without the burden of independent administration. 

The 2026 deadline is a natural decision point 

There is an important legislative deadline approaching for incorporated societies across New Zealand. 

Under the new Incorporated Societies Act, every society must actively re-register by 5 April 2026 if it wants to continue operating. Societies that do not re-register will be removed from the register and will legally cease to exist. 

Re-registration takes time. It usually involves updating your constitution, holding an AGM or special meeting for member approval, and submitting the application properly. 

For many committees, this deadline is a natural moment to review their future. Some organisations will re-register. Others may decide it is the right time to wind up and step back from ongoing compliance and governance responsibilities. 

If your society is not continuing, there is a way to ensure your funds keep supporting the causes you care about. 

What is a Trust Transfer? 

A trust transfer allows a society or charitable trust to wind up its existing structure while keeping its name, purpose, and story alive. 

Your remaining funds are transferred into a Named Fund with the Top of the South Community Foundation. 

We take care of the investment, administration, compliance, and grant making, so your mission can continue supporting the community year after year. 

Why organisations choose a trust transfer 

Protect your legacy: Ensure the funds your community raised continue supporting the same purpose. 

Remove the compliance burden: No more constitutions, reporting, governance, or trustee recruitment. 

Professional investment management: Funds are invested for long-term growth and annual distributions. 

Local knowledge and oversight: Grants stay in the Top of the South, supporting local causes.

How a Trust Transfer works 

1. Establish a Named Fund. Your organisation creates a dedicated fund within the Foundation. 

2. Define your purpose. You set the goals for the fund so they reflect your original mission. 

3. Create a permanent funding stream. Grants are distributed each year to the causes you care about. 

4. Benefit from scale and efficiency. Your fund is invested alongside others in a low-cost structure. 

A Leadership Story: Employment Support 

In April 2024, Employment Support Marlborough chose to resettle their assets into a Named Fund with TSCF. By choosing to transfer their remaining funds before formally winding up, the trustees successfully ensured their mission would be protected long after the Trust itself closed its doors. This  allowed them to retire with total peace of mind.  

"When our trustees decided it was time to retire, we wanted to ensure the funds we worked so hard to raise stayed in Marlborough for their intended purpose. The team at Top of the South Community Foundation was incredibly pleasant to work with and made the entire process seamless. Honestly, we feel lucky to have found them—the transfer couldn't have been easier, and it’s a relief to know our legacy is in such good hands." — Frances Jessep, Former Trustee, Employment Support Marlborough  

Start a confidential conversation 

If your committee is reviewing its future ahead of the 2026 deadline, we’re happy to talk through the options. 

Chelsea Routhan | Chief Executive 027 205 3111 | 

[email protected]