FAQ

What is the advantage of giving through Nikau Foundation over giving direct to a charity?

Nikau Foundation creates an endowment fund where the income is distributed year after year to the charities of your choice. Direct giving will usually be absorbed into the charity’s current budget.

How can I be sure that my gift will be looked after and my wishes followed?

Nikau Foundation is managed by a voluntary board of Trustees who are drawn from prominent business, legal and financial sources. The Board also contains representatives from the local authorities in our region.  Maintaining the integrity of our Board is very important to us.

Where can I ask that income from my gift be spent?

This is really over to you.  You can nominate specific charities or more generalised guidance. e.g. you can nominate Forest & Bird or environment in general.  You can nominate several areas of interest if you prefer.
You can also restrict your benefits to a particular area or district if you do not want your benefits to be spread over the whole region.

Should I give you a donation now or leave a bequest in my will?

Once again this is your choice.  If you make a ‘living’ gift you will be entitled to a taxation rebate of 33% of your gift.  You could also see the benefits your gift is providing to your community.  You are able to maintain an interest in your fund to whatever extent you would like.

I already have a charitable trust but it is becoming a major issue coping with the ongoing administration, how can Nikau Foundation help?

Nikau Foundation can take away your problems – we can deal with accounting / auditing / charities commission / trustee succession / grantmaking /etc.  It is a reasonably simple process to transfer the assets of your trust to Nikau Foundation.  Call us to discuss details.

Can I set up a fund in memory of a loved member of my family?

Nikau Foundation is an ideal way to do this.  Your loved one will be remembered every time a grant is made and the recipient will know whose fund it has been paid from.

How is Nikau Foundation different from other community and charitable trusts?

Nikau Foundation has an expressed objective to build and grow an endowment fund where the income can be distributed for the benefit of Wellington Regional communities every year, forever.  We will maintain the identity of the donor and distribute income in accordance with their wishes.  Other community trusts hold a capital fund that has been established (from Trustee Savings Banks or energy company privatisation) and distribute the income earned. Alternatively they have an income source (pub charities or Lotto) that they distribute.