Acorn Foundation's committment to our community was recognised at the 2011 Westpac Tauranga Business Awards on 4th November. Acorn received the award for Community Organisation of the Year at the gala dinner held at the new TECT Arena at Baypark Stadium. Acorn's deputy Chair Tracy Rea briefly shared the Acorn story with the 500 guests who included Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby, and MPs Tony Ryall and Simon Bridges.
A very exciting milestone for the Acorn Foundation.
Overview
The Acorn Foundation is a Community Foundation. The underlying principle of a community foundation is that “Philanthropy begins on Main Street”. In other words, we believe that people want to support causes close to home, and often close to the heart.
The Acorn Foundation is a Community Foundation. The underlying principle of a community foundation is that “Philanthropy begins on Main Street”. In other words, we believe that people want to support causes close to home, and often close to the heart.
Community Foundations originated in the USA around 1914, and have grown to be a huge contributor to societies around the world.
The Acorn Foundation was the first Community Foundation to be established in New Zealand, but since its inception there have been others set up in Northland, Auckland, Rotorua, Hawkes Bay, Opotiki, Nelson, Wellington, Porirua, Buller, Ashburton and Timaru. (Acorn is completely independent of these organisations but very supportive of their endeavours).
Providing a vehicle through which people can make a contribution to their community continues to be our key function. Most importantly, benefits from permanently endowed funds will span generations. Governments, mayors and city councils come and go, along with their propensity to look after the needs of society, but permanently endowed gifts continue to provide for the present and the future. The good fortune enjoyed in times of plenty produces income to fund services in times of need.
Community Foundations bring stability to the non-profit arena; they allow flexibility in accepting gifts and establishing funds that satisfy the charitable needs of donors; and they provide efficient and effective financial stewardship, in perpetuity. The decisions concerning how to distribute future earnings from the fund, as far into the future as can be imagined, will reside with a group of knowledgeable local citizens who understand the needs and opportunities within their community.
Key points to note:
Permanence. Your gift becomes part of a permanent endowment fund that will give to the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty community forever.
Simplicity. A single gift can address a wide range of interests and charities.
Flexibility. Your gift can be structured to achieve your charitable and financial planning goals.
Relevance. The Foundation works with local organizations to identify current needs in the community to ensure grants are always relevant.
Fiscal Responsibility. The funds are professionally managed by Craig Investment Partners to ensure good return at minimal cost.
Accountability. Community leaders are appointed as a volunteer Board of Trustees, to oversee the activities of the Foundation.
Tax Advantages. Donations during your lifetime result in tax savings for you.
Recognition. You can be recognized as a donor or remain anonymous. It’s up to you.
Acorn Foundation is a registered charity (Charities Commission #CC10784) and as such we also rely on donations to enable us to continue to provide our service to the community. You can donate towards our operating costs by sending a cheque to PO Box 13 604, Tauranga 3141, or make a payment to our bank account 02-0466-0117382-00. All donations are eligible for a 33.33% tax credit, so be sure to supply your details so that we can send you a receipt.
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