Our Impact in 2023
Presenting our 2023 Impact Report
It is our pleasure to bring you Nikau Foundation’s 2023 Impact Report. This year has been transformative for Nikau in so many ways.
As an organisation, we welcomed new donors, delivered almost $1.2 million in funding to support the people and places of our region, committed nine new funds that will give back long into the future and worked along two iconic Wellington sites to establish legacies so they can be visited, admired and enjoyed for generations to come.
2023 Funding wrap up
At Nikau, our role isn’t just to get money out the door. It’s to make meaningful connections with our community, create space for important conversations and – most importantly – to listen so we can play our part in implementing solutions that are informed, effective and fit for purpose.
Through this connection with our communities, we observed many trends throughout the sector, were able to create positive funding experiences for not-for-profits and deliver practical and meaningful funding to our commmunities.
2023 Philanthropy wrap up
As a community foundation, Nikau connects local generosity with local need.
In 2023, we observed a number of trends in the philanthropic sector. These included the many organisations looking to futureproof their impact, trusts taking steps to secure a succession plan and organisations seeing the benefit of collaboration to make the biggest difference in our communities.
Local funding, to help local mahi grow.
Nikau is so proud to have supported a fund a wide range of organisations from across our region in 2023. You can read about some of this good mahi below. To see all grants given out in 2023, click here.
Harnessing people to deliver positive conservation outcomes.
Established in 2021, what is colloquially referred to as WaiP2K has a mission to bring people together from Mount Bruce to Cape Palliser and mobilise volunteers to get involved in a range of local conservation projects. In 2023, WaiP2K introduced the Predator Free programme to Masterton to arm locals with the skills and resources they need to control pests
A whānau and women-centred approach to health.
Established in 1991 after the Cartwright Inquiry, Mana Wāhine Incorporated has a kaupapa to empower and support women to make informed choices about their health.
In 2023, Mana Wāhine launched their own website to encourage women to take charge of their health and showcase their services in a powerful, meaningful and vivid way.
Providing mental health support through creative engagement.
Originally located on Cuba Street, Pablos Art Studio’s story started in 1993 as a creative response to demand for better community support for marginalised communities and people experiencing mental health issues.
Now 30-years into their story, Pablos offers creative opportunities for individuals to regulate, observe and understand their emotions, affirm a sense of self and enrich their lives. Nikau was delighted to support Pablos’ community outreach programme at Mary Potter Hospice.
Strategic, future focused philanthropy.
In 2023, Nikau was delighted to work alongside many generous individuals, organisations and trusts to make their generosity go further, safeguard their impact and ensure their generosity gives back to our community in meaningful, practical and relevant ways. You can read more about this generosity below.
Preserving the legacy of June Oakley.
Throughout her life, June Oakley was dedicated to uplifting and support the local Kapiti community, volunteering for a number of organisations. When June died in 1986, her friends and former colleagues established the June Oakley Memorial Youth Trust to continue June’s legacy. To ensure the important work of the trust could continue, it was transferred to Nikau with the June Oakley Memorial Youth Fund being established in 2023.
Safeguarding the places and stories of Wellington.
While raising funds to support current projects remains an important priority for all for-purpose organisations, like the Friends of Futuna Charitable Trust and Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust, many are also looking to the future.
By establishing funds with Nikau Foundation, these organisations have taken strategic steps to secure the next chapter and create a long-term source of funding.
The power of collaboration in effective, meaningful grant-making.
Wellington North Rotary has had a long history of giving back both locally and further afield. When the club first connected with Nikau, it was with the goal of ensuring that they were giving in a way that was meaningful, powerful and responsive to community need.
We were delighted to work alongside Wellington North Rotary to connect them with three transformative organisations working to build life skills for youth.
Want mail?
Although Nikau’s Impact Report has gone digital, we understand that sometimes having a hard copy is easier to read. If you’d like us to send you one, please fill out the below form and we will pop one in the mail for you.