how ANZ payroll giving is making a difference to communities
Provided by ANZ
ANZ is one of New Zealand's leaders in payroll giving, with almost 2,000 staff donating regular amounts from their after-tax salaries and wages. ANZ matches these contributions at a rate of $2 for every $1 donated by staff with all funds going to its charitable trust, the ANZ New Zealand Staff Foundation
Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed over $8 million in community grants to more than 920 charities and community projects nationwide.
Michael Bullock, Chief Information Officer for ANZ New Zealand and Chair of the ANZ Staff Foundation’s Advisory Board, has seen the impact of payroll giving first hand.
“Through the generosity of our staff, we are able to support a wide variety of important community projects and services, and being part of the Foundation’s Advisory Board has given me a deeper appreciation for how our staff donations are distributed to our communities,” he says.
“It’s surprising how many of our community based charities are so heavily dependent on private sector donations. Without that, many of the most vulnerable parts of our community wouldn’t be supported”.
The Foundation’s membership has remained steady throughout Covid-19, indicating that members are still prioritising charitable donations.
“To be in a position to be able to offer financial support towards these organisations is just a wonderful feeling. The Staff Foundation offers a great way for our staff to make a difference,” says Michael.
The difference the donations make is immense.
Some of the recent grants have gone towards mentoring and counselling, music therapy, confidence building and education programmes for at-risk youth, financial literacy support, a refrigerated truck to distribute donated food, swimming programmes in schools, rehabilitative training and support, food and nutrition courses, assistance dogs and guide dogs, parenting programmes, and science resource kits for children.
The Foundation’s emphasis is on supporting local community projects and programmes. Given the large number and geographic spread of the Foundation membership, this was considered the most appropriate way of ensuring grants reach the widest possible number of regions.
How does the Staff Foundation work? The ANZ Staff Foundation operates two contestable funding rounds each year, where charities can apply for funding through the online Staff Foundation hub.
An Advisory Board, made up of 12 ANZ Staff members who contribute to the Foundation and volunteer their time, meets twice a year and make recommendations on which charities should receive funding.
Their recommendations then go the ANZ Staff Foundation’s Trustee, who makes the final decision on funding. The Foundation supports projects that deliver benefits to a broad sector of the community, rather than to particular individuals or institutions.
Community sponsorship is a separate ANZ initiative and does not involve any Staff Foundation money. All funds raised via payroll giving go to the community, with ANZ paying the administration costs to run the Foundation.
