The Waikato’s community foundation has branched out to the Coromandel and Hauraki.
Momentum Waikato has appointed Michelle Crook of Whangamata as its Coromandel-Hauraki Community Engagement Coordinator.
Michelle, who has vast experience in governance and fundraising for not-for-profits, says she is excited to have joined an organisation that helps generous donors perpetually support their favourite local charities, projects and changemakers.
“I am very happy to be Momentum’s first sub-regional rep,” says Michelle.
“We recognise that philanthropy is built on trust and local connections, so my mission is to provide the people of the Coromandel and Hauraki with their own opportunity to make positive change for their communities by taking advantage of what a community foundation has to offer.
“Momentum is relatively young but in just under a decade it has already had a huge impact across the Waikato, through backing community start-ups, growing its portfolio of philanthropic investment funds supporting various local for-purpose groups, and leading transformational projects, particularly the Waikato Regional Theatre in Hamilton.
“I was excited by the community foundation concept when it first arrived in New Zealand in 2003 and over the years since I’ve seen the huge benefits and security these independent entities can provide for everyday New Zealanders wanting to sustainably back the local causes they care about.
“The great thing about this flexible model is that you can make a living gift or a bequest in your Will to one of the foundation’s funds or to a beneficiary, or you, your charity or your social enterprise can create a legacy by establishing a ‘named fund’ with Momentum, or you can simply donate or bequest to the regional endowment in our care, which invests to meet community need,” says Michelle.
Momentum Waikato CEO Kelvyn Eglinton says he is very pleased to be opening an office in Coromandel-Hauraki.
“The core purpose of Momentum is to provide a way for donors to make ongoing financial gifts to local causes they love. We’re very happy to now have Michelle as a local representative, as she is passionate and knowledgeable about this concept and the possibilities it offers,” says Kelvyn.
Michelle is already actively reaching out to local law firms to familiarise them with the Momentum opportunity. She is available to speak with prospective donors during the day or evening, and she’s happy to meet local charities who may be interested in establishing a fund as part of their broader strategic fundraising programmes.