What is a “Tagged Recipient”?
A tagged recipient is a charity or organisation that has been nominated by an Acorn donor to receive annual distributions from their fund.
When a donor sets up an endowment fund with Acorn, they can choose the causes or organisations they care about most. These organisations are then “tagged” to receive funding from that fund, often forever.
As that fund grows over time, so too does the annual income your organisation receives.
Why this matters for your organisation
Most charities rely on a mix of grants, fundraising, and donations, which can often be unpredictable. Tagged recipient funding is different. It provides:
✔ Long-term financial sustainability - A consistent income stream allows you to plan ahead, invest in your services, and reduce uncertainty.
✔ Less reliance on annual funding rounds - Tagged recipients do not need to reapply each year for Acorn funding.
✔ Stronger donor relationships - You give your supporters a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy aligned with your mission.
✔ Funding that can grow over time - Because funds are invested, the income your organisation receives can increase as the fund grows.
The shift: from short-term fundraising to long-term impact
Becoming a tagged recipient is not about replacing your current fundraising. It’s about adding another layer to your strategy, one that focuses on the future.
Many supporters want to give, but not everyone is in a position to donate large amounts today. Endowment giving offers them another option:
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A gift in their Will
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A long-term fund established over time
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A way to support your organisation beyond their lifetime
And importantly, promoting this type of giving does not reduce current donations.
How it works
Here’s a simple way to understand the model:
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A donor sets up a fund with Acorn
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Their donation is invested and protected (not spent)
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Each year, a portion of the investment income is distributed
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If your organisation is tagged, you receive that income annually
This means a single act of generosity can continue supporting your work for generations, rather than just once.
How to become a tagged recipient
Becoming a tagged recipient of an Acorn Fund comes down to having a Bequest and Endowment Strategy as part of your organisation’s overall fundraising strategy. It’s a part of fundraising that can be overlooked by small charities but can return significant income to your organisation.
It’s also important to note that promoting this type of giving to your supporters will not detract from the support you receive now. It is simply offering another way for people to support your work, which may suit some people better.
We can help you with tools and resources to promote bequest and endowment giving to your supporters, so that you can look forward to receiving an enduring, reliable annual income stream from the Acorn Foundation for many years to come.
“Acorn Foundation donors are incredibly generous folk who opt to distribute funds to worthy community organisations long after they've passed away. It's an amazing gesture and we're continually grateful."
– Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Services, Tagged Recipient
“Over the years, we have chosen to distribute the returns from our Acorn fund to Waipuna Hospice, one of many worthy charities doing important work in our community. We hope that our contribution ensures that people in our community facing a terminal illness receive the care and support that they need.”
– Geoff and Chris Olsen, Acorn donors
"St John is very appreciative to have been a long-time recipient of funds from Acorn Foundation donors. Acorn funding has allowed us to purchase vital and life-saving medical equipment for our emergency ambulance service, and to provide health-related services to support our community in the Western Bay of Plenty.”
– Jeremy Gooders, Bay of Plenty District Operations Manager, St John
Another option: Create your own fund
One way you can make it easier for your supporters to guarantee a steady income for your organisation is to set up a Community Group Fund with Acorn. It’s free to set up, and donors can either give to your fund while living or include a gift in their Will.