Giving by businesses, either directly or via a company foundation can take a number of forms – including cash donations, volunteering and pro-bono activities, in-kind support, and non-commercial sponsorships. J B Were’s New Zealand Support Report records business giving (via donations claimed) in 2018 as $143 million but estimates that business giving through corporate and social responsibility approaches could equal around $429 million for the same period. Together, these forms of giving are likely to total around 15% of total giving.

Why should businesses give?

Businesses that invest in their community:

• Build greater staff loyalty and engagement

• Build brand and customer loyalty

• Enhance their company reputation

• Strengthen their competitive edge while strengthening the community

• Have a great story to tell.

Business giving via a donor-advised fund

The Gift Trust is a philanthropic trust that has a service for businesses to help manage their corporate giving programme. This provides an easy way for your company to make a difference in your community, without the administrative burden and high costs of operating your own charitable foundation.