Trust Waikato in good shape for future

Trust Waikato delivered $11.6 million in the past financial year to support initiatives in the Waikato.

Matamata groups received $57,250 in funding spread across 12 community groups.

The trust made significant donation towards the Starfish Social Services Trust ($20,000),Totara Springs Christian Centre ($15.000) and the Matamata Croquet Club ($10,000).

Other donations were received by Matamata Golf Club ($5000), Senior Net Matamata ($1500), and the Matamata Community Men’s Shed ($1500).

The balance was made of grants for differing amounts from $500 upwards to $1000.

Some of the main talking points from the trust’s annual public meeting in Hamilton, attended by 150 stakeholders from across the Waikato, was the fiscal management of the trustees.

From the $11.6m paid out through grants, $8.8m was approved for 636 community projects with $2.8m going to 10 significant capital projects.

A further $2.5m was paid to the trusts, strategic partners.

Trust chairman Niwa Nuri outlined the new 10-year strategic plan focussing on achieving impact and influence at a regional level through effective philanthropy, leadership and partnership.

In recognising the need for strong leadership the strategy has a deeper focus on tackling new challenges and it’s five and

‘‘The trust is supporting with capacity building and capability through Community Waikato.’’

10-year goals towards enabling transformational change for people, communities and places where the need is greatest.

Outlining where the need is greatest, chief executive Dennis Turton acknowledges social services is a major area the trust is focussed on.

Last year the trust considered applications totalling over $6m for supporting families and young people.

The need to support social services is increasing and Trust Waikato last year supported 264 requests approving funding of $3.5m.

‘‘The trust is supporting with capacity building and capability through Community Waikato and this model is now being replicated around the country.’’

This is where a number of social services are housed in one location where significant operational costs are saved because of shared services.

The trust is in good shape going into the future with funds valued at $371m. Reserve capital has been set aside to safeguard funds for future generations.