Partnering for Impact: Craigs and Community Foundations

For more than two decades, Craigs Investment Partners and the network of Community Foundations have shared a simple belief: generosity is most powerful when it’s local, informed, and intentional. Together, we’re backing the people and organisations who support the communities we call home and building a culture of giving that lasts.

A long-term partnership anchored in community

In the early 2000s, Neil Craig, alongside community leaders Sir Stephen Tindall and Bill Holland, had the foresight to establish the Acorn Foundation, the second community foundation of its kind in New Zealand. The model works much like investing for the future. Often described as the “smarter way to give,” it goes beyond one-off donations. Instead, the money is invested, with a portion of the return (often just the income from the portfolio) distributed each year as a grant. The balance remains in place, continuing to grow and generate income, ensuring causes that matter are supported in perpetuity.

The concept proved successful and in 2017 Craigs became a founding partner of Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ (CFANZ). Today, CFANZ works as the peak body for 18 community foundations across New Zealand using this invested structure. Craigs is proud to have been a founding partner of the wider Community Foundations movement, a philosophy that continues to guide our approach today.

Neil Craig, Founder of Craigs, explains his enthusiasm for Community Foundations.

Building a culture of giving

One of the most rewarding initiatives Craigs has adopted through the Community Foundations network is its Workplace Giving programme. The Craigs’ Workplace Giving programme enables employees to donate a portion of their monthly pay to support charities, with Craigs matching contributions up to $500 per employee annually. The programme is popular, with nearly 300 staff across 20 branches participating. In 2025 alone, this initiative delivered $200,000 to local charities nationwide, bringing total donations since 2020 to over $1 million.

Beyond financial contributions, Craigs encourages hands-on involvement through Craigs Community Day, offering employees a paid day of volunteer leave each year. Angie Smith, Head of People and Performance, says the initiative has been “hugely popular and deeply rewarding for staff.”

The challenge and opportunity of giving well

Craigs recognises giving back is an important responsibility, but giving well is not simple. True impact requires insight into local needs and priorities. That’s where Community Foundations play a vital role. As experts in their field and with deep roots in their communities, Community Foundations are uniquely placed to identify changemakers and advise where donations will have the greatest impact.

The power of place-based philanthropy

Community Foundations operate a proven model of place-based philanthropy, which has thrived globally for over 100 years. By keeping resources local, they empower communities to address their own challenges in ways that matter most. Today, CFANZ manages over $315 million in funds under management and has distributed more than $115 million over the past 10 years.  The network specialises in managing legacy funds and has already stewarded over 700 bequests for future community transformation.

Craigs shares this commitment. At Workplace Giving distribution time, branches collaborate closely with their local Community Foundation for guidance. As Angie Smith explains, “Our local Craigs’ branches work with the Community Foundation in their area to determine where our donations will have the greatest impact. Their community insight is invaluable in ensuring our donations benefit local charities effectively.”

Eleanor Cater, CEO of CFANZ, says the Craigs partnership has been instrumental in the development of the wider network. “Along with The Tindall Foundation, Craigs saw the immense opportunity that Community Foundations present to build community funds and tap into the deep-rooted generosity and care of Kiwis.  Craigs long-term support has been a crucial enabler for establishing these local structures for philanthropy and generosity to thrive”.

Wealth with purpose

Increasingly, clients are exploring ways to make a meaningful difference with their wealth. To support this, Craigs recently appointing prominent philanthropy sector executive Arron Perriam as Director, Philanthropy and Intergenerational Wealth. As former National Executive Director at Community Foundations, Arron brings deep insight of the smarter giving model and the broader philanthropic landscape. The newly created role strengthens Craigs’ capability in areas that matter to clients like legacy, values, and long-term philanthropic impact.

Looking ahead: a shared commitment

Together, Craigs and CFANZ will continue to back informed and intentional place-based philanthropy, combining the generosity of individuals and businesses with deep community knowledge, ensuring donations reach those doing the most impactful work on the ground.

Learn how you can create a lasting impact in your community.

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