Roundups with Ros - Financial Health for NFPs
Community Networks • March 6, 2025
Kia ora,
This month, we're focusing on financial health for non-profits. CNA has been able to do our mahi for 50 years by ensuring we have the funding to sustain our work and preparing for the unexpected.
Right now, our Board is reviewing our income in these uncertain times. While we're not in crisis, we're always considering how we would manage if funding were to change. Every NGO—whether funded by philanthropy, government (central or local), or fundraising—faces the same challenge, especially in a climate where funding is tightening, and demands on our sector keep growing. At some point, doing more with less just isn’t viable.
Another key conversation resurfacing is Social Investment. The concept—investing early to save money and improve long-term outcomes—sounds logical. But previous government trials showed issues, such as reinforcing stereotypes and focusing on individual failings rather than systemic challenges. We're watching closely to see if Social Investment 2.0 emerges. We would love to hear your thoughts on where things are heading.
On funding and grants: I highly recommend signing up for ANCAD’s and Community Waikato’s newsletters. ANCAD has just released its 2025 Funding Guide—while Auckland-focused, it contains useful insights for groups across Aotearoa. Community Waikato offers fantastic online training forums—great for learning, networking, and picking up invaluable tips.
Finally, CNA is diving into financial health this month—keep an eye on our socials and community alerts for articles and details of our upcoming webinar featuring incredible speakers. Even I’ll be tuning in—there’s always more to learn! Let’s keep our sector strong and sustainable for years to come.
We would love to hear your thoughts! Here are some questions to consider:
💰 Funding Stability:
How is your organisation preparing for financial uncertainty? Have you had to make any tough decisions due to funding changes?
📉 Sector Challenges: Are you seeing increased demand for services with fewer resources? What strategies are working (or not working) for you?
🔎 Social Investment:
What are your thoughts on the Government’s approach to Social Investment? Do you see potential benefits, or are there concerns for your organisation and community?
📚 Funding & Training Resources:
Have you found any particularly helpful funding guides or training opportunities lately? What resources would you recommend to others?
Join the kōrero! Leave a comment, send us an email, or connect with us on social media—we would love to hear your insights.
Ngā mihi,
Ros Rice, Executive Officer
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Being part of a community organisation is exciting, rewarding, and sometimes a little chaotic. From passionate debates to trying to make decisions that serve everyone’s needs, it’s no surprise that things can get a bit tangled at times.
Last week Patrick represented CNA at the Hapori Aotearoa – Growing Communities Together in sunny Tauranga presented by Inspiring Communities and the Tauranga City Council. A two-day conference focused on providing practical resources amplifying community development. With each day having multiple concurrent workshops there were difficult (and esciting) choices to be made. The hottest topics were Social Return On Investments / Social Investment, Te Tiriti, and (no surprise) funding within the Sector. There were great speakers and a lot of table korero, spilling of tea, and sharing ideas and resources. Did you know there is a Regional Data Explorer on the Social Investment Agency website ? How might organisations use this to target their mahi and applications? “The Social Investment Agency’s Regional Data Explorer supports access to data for regional and sub-regional decision-making. It brings together 70 datasets or 'indicators' which can be filtered to meet a particular need." Another great workshop (Belinda Gorman ) looked into connecting with businesses to explore various ways of funding. Looking at alignment, how to approach and creating that relationship. One contribution we were able to make was a handy dandy doc on how to use the free version of ChatGPT to create a start – how to create a document that begins your journey on support, sponsorship and funding. Here it is – Using ChatGPT to Get $. And it was a great chance to catch up with Members – SociaLink (also a supporter of the conference); Volunteer Kapiti and Community Networking Trust. It was a time to catch up with friends from other organisations and to make new connections, both strengthening our reach around the Motu. Whilst conferences are expensive, attending can hit many birds with one stone and its important to get out of your own area, headspace to remind yourself that you are not alone in what’s going on; that there are people with ideas around you; and that (while it can be a draining experience) it is a fantastic way to recharge your spirit. We look forward to hosting our Members at our Members’ Only Hui on Friday, 7th November in Te Whanganui-a-Tara /Wgtn for exactly those reasons. Oh, did I mention it’s also our 50th Anniversary celebrations? Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer
As we approach the end of the financial year, it’s a great time for community organisations and NFPs to check in on their finances.
