This project oversaw the creation of local community funds. A giving platform for visitors to support projects and give back financially.
The focus of these funds is to support localised climate, conservation, and biodiversity initiatives, accelerating the region’s shift to a regenerative carbon zero future and enabling visitors to positively impact Wānaka and Queenstown through their activities and experiences.
Progress
Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown were launched in April 2023 which are the community funds that target visitor give-back and financial contributions to support environmental outcomes. The fund recently completed its first funding round, distributing $60,000 to community organisations to support climate, conservation and biodiversity action across the Queenstown Lakes. A further $15,000 has been invested in a local endowment fund with support from the Wakatipu Community Foundation, ensuring larger-scale funding opportunities into the future.
To further support and enable visitor give-back Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown and ecommerce platform have been established to enable visitor financial donations. Visit Love Wānaka or Love Queenstown.
-min.jpg)
Who is involved
This project is being led by the two RTOs in partnership with the Whakatipu Community Foundation who are a donor driven charitable trust that supports localised philanthropy in our region. The Foundation was integral to the development of Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown, and continues to support in an advisory, audit and compliance capacity.
An independent distribution committee has been established and is tasked with setting the overall distribution strategy, reviewing grant applications, and allocating funds to the organisations and initiatives who are best-placed to provide impact, where it’s needed most. This committee consists of local experts in both the grant-making and sustainability / environmental space.
How to support
If you are a business that is interested in supporting please visit either the Love Wānaka or Love Queenstown business information pages for further information.
If you are a local community member, visit Love Wānaka or Love Queenstown or volunteer pages for further information.
If you have further feedback or questions reach out through the contact us form or get in touch with the Community Fund Coordinator.
