Legacy in Action: A Dual Perspective on Community Foundation Impact

Mark Ingle, Trustee, Momentum Waikato

Being both a Trustee and future bequestor to Momentum Waikato Community Foundation has given me a unique vantage point on the transformative power of community philanthropy. This dual role has deepened my understanding of how strategic giving can shape our community, not just for tomorrow, but for generations to come.

As a Trustee, I've witnessed firsthand how Momentum acts as a bridge between generous individuals and community support.

We're not just collecting and distributing funds, we're carefully orchestrating lasting positive change. Whether it's supporting regional development projects, backing initiatives with national significance, or supporting donor-selected organisations, each move we make ripples through time, touching countless lives.

My decision to include a bequest to Momentum Waikato in my Will stemmed from this intimate understanding of the organisation’s intended impact into the future. In time I will ideally be able to make this a ‘give while you live’ commitment.

I'm seeing how the Momentum bequest programme has created perpetual legacies that grow and adapt to meet evolving community needs. It's a powerful thing to know that long after I'm gone, which I’m hoping is still a few decades away, my contribution will continue to support causes that matter to me and perhaps address local challenges I cannot even imagine today.

What sets Momentum Waikato apart is its dual focus - nurturing individual donors' philanthropic visions, while simultaneously driving transformative community projects, which can bring and have brought significant investment into the region. This approach ensures that while we're meeting immediate needs, we're also building enduring resources for future generations.

The beauty of community foundation giving lies in its flexibility and permanence. As a donor, I know my bequest will be managed with the same careful stewardship I've helped oversee as a Trustee. It will grow, adapt, and continue to serve the community's changing needs, guided by those who understand local challenges and opportunities intimately.

This experience has taught me that true philanthropy is about more than giving – it's about creating sustainable systems of support that strengthen communities for generations to come. Through Momentum Waikato, we're not just building a legacy, we're investing in a future where community wellbeing and prosperity are shared values that grow stronger with each passing year.