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Clutha Foundation awards $39,500 to local community groups

Fourteen charitable organisations across the Clutha District received a welcome funding boost from Clutha Foundation’s latest grant round.This year, Clutha Foundation prioritised projects that promote health and wellbeing. “With the rising cost of living, many people in our communities are doing it tough,” says Jess Weichler, Administration & Relationship Support at Clutha Foundation. “When money is tight, one of the first things people sacrifice is their health.  We want to ens...

Providing relief during cancer treatment

A cancer diagnosis often brings sudden and significant challenges.  Many people are unable to work while undergoing treatment, creating financial hardship.  Southern Cancer Society received $3,300 from Clutha Foundation to support their assistance programme, which provides grocery and petrol vouchers to cancer patients in the Clutha District.  “We are so grateful to Clutha Foundation for their generous grant of $3,300 to support cancer families across the Clutha District,” say...

GivingTuesday: Focusing on what matters most

You may have noticed the growing phenomenon of Black Friday which encourages us all to spend, spend, spend in the lead up to Christmas. The Black Friday frenzy originated in the USA, it's a chaotic day when crowds of shoppers descend to scoop up bargains. Cyber Monday soon followed, encouraging the shopping frenzy to continue online.In contrast, GivingTuesday is a deliberate response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Launched in 2012, the idea is simple: after a day focused on...

Empowering rural leaders

Local leaders came ready to learn, share, and grow their thinking at our Governance 101 workshop.  Tailored to the challenges and opportunities facing boards in rural communities, and facilitated by Dawn Sangster, director of the Maniototo Irrigation Company and Farmlands Co-operative society, the course offered practical tools and insights.  Dawn's interactive approach and real-world examples kept the content relatable and actionable. Participants dug into tricky topics, engaged ...

Craigs helps families this Christmas

Craigs Investment Partners continues its holiday tradition of giving back, donating $1,365 to local foodbanks through Clutha Foundation.  This generous contribution was made possible through Craigs' Workplace Giving Programme, allowing employees to give directly from their pay, which Craig's matches up to $500 per employee each year. This initiative allows the Craigs team to make a meaningful impact in their local communities, especially at Christmas when many families face added challenges...

Collaboration transforms lives in Milton

Tokomairiro Community Hub plays an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of Milton residents.  It offers a wide range of services, including food and clothing shares, workshops, and referrals to social services....

Spotlight: Welcoming Newcomers to the Clutha District

Gloria McHutchon QSM is generous with her time. It’s challenging to find a club in West Otago that she hasn’t been involved with. Originally from North Auckland, Gloria moved to West Otago to marry local sheep farmer Alex McHutchon. Her volunteering journey began with Plunket, ahead of the birth of her first child. Over the years her volunteering CV has grown to include organisations such as Tapanui West Otago Promotions, Heriot RSA Committee, Rural Women, and more.Gloria’s ethos: Seeing a...

Supporting the wellbeing & development of our tamariki

Tapanui Primary School playground is getting a makeover. Thanks to the generosity of the community, dedicated mahi of volunteers, and a $7,000 grant from Clutha Foundation, Tapanui Primary has transformed its ageing playground into a safe, modern play space. The previous wooden fort had stood for over 40 years and was in place when the current Principal’s husband was a student. It has been replaced with a modern tower featuring a rock-climbing wall and spiral slide. Additionally, existing equi...

CACTUS equips Clutha youth for success

Free to Clutha residents in years 8-13, Combined Adolescent Challenge Training Unit (CACTUS) empowers young people to reach their full potential.  A project of the Clutha District Youth Council, CACTUS fosters fitness, self-esteem, and confidence in a nurturing team atmosphere.Strengthening the ties between participants and their community is a key part of the programme. Each training session concludes with a group breakfast, allowing participants and trainers to share a meal together....

Accelerating action this International Women's Day

Research tells us that women give more and give more often compared to their male counterparts. They often approach philanthropy as learners, eager to "do good better", while spreading their giving across more sectors of society....

Clutha Foundation announces 2024-25 funding recipients

Clutha Foundation has distributed funding to 10 community groups during the 2024-25 funding round. Over $245,945 has been granted to Clutha organisations since 2020.This year’s grants come from pass-through funding from Otago Community Trust and funds distributed from Barry & Helen Pannett Family Endowment, Brian & Pauline Dodds Endowment, Lyddon Farms Endowment, Blair Cross Endowment Fund, and the Owaka & Districts Fund.Clutha Budget Advisory Service received a grant for their fin...

Supercharge your giving - give and get your tax back

Supercharge your charitable giving with Clutha Foundation!   Donating through Clutha Foundation supports great local causes, plus it unlocks a 33% tax rebate for you.How to get money back for your charitable givingWhen you donate through Clutha Foundation, you can reclaim 33% of what you give through a tax rebate*.   For instance, when you donate $30, you can claim $10 back from the tax that you have already paid into the government coffers.  Donate $300 and you can claim $10...