Voices of Impact: Partners, Foundation North

*Image courtesy of Ākina IIRP recipients,* *Localised*

Foundation North and Ākina have fostered a dynamic collaboration, driven by a shared commitment to building a more equitable,socially inclusive, and environmentally regenerative New Zealand.

Foundation North has approved a significant multi-year grant for Ākina, aimed at delivering a range of critical services to empower impact enterprises in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau. This case study delves into the impact it has had on communities and organisations aligned with Foundation North’s strategic interest in strengthening the impact investment ecosystem.

A Long-standing Partnership

Foundation North, a prominent philanthropic organisation in New Zealand, and Ākina, an influential impact enterprise intermediary, have shared a productive partnership spanning a decade. Foundation North has extended a total of nine grants to Ākina over the years, including three multi-year grants, which demonstrates the depth and continuity of their partnership.

What sets this collaboration apart is the evolving nature of the relationship between Foundation North and Ākina. They have transitioned from a traditional grant-giver and recipient relationship to a more integrated partnering approach, marking a significant shift in how they work together

*Image courtesy of former Ākina IIRP Recipients,* *Localised*

Foundation North’s Strategic Focus

Foundation North recognises Ākina as a pivotal partner in the realm of impact enterprises and impact investment. The alignment of their vision with Foundation North’s strategic focus on “Increased Equity”, “Social Inclusion”, and a “Regenerative Environment” highlights the coherence of their goals. These strategic pillars drive both organisations to pursue innovative ways to address societal challenges and promote sustainable development.

A Transformative Commitment

In the last year or so, Foundation North affirmed its commitment to strengthening the partnership by approving a transformative multi-year grant of $1.5 million for Ākina. This funding encompasses various components, each strategically designed to foster positive social and environmental change.

The primary components include:

Delivery of Capability Services:

This involves supporting early-stage impact enterprises in Te Tai Tokerau through Capability Builders NZ and providing Tāmaki Makaurau organisations with business and impact approach coaching, navigation support for early impact entities, and impact strategy support for organisations with high impact potential.

Impact Investment Readiness Programme:

This initiative includes providing venture grants of up to $30,000 for organisations aligned with Foundation North’s strategic goals. This programme is co-funded in collaboration with other partners.

Bespoke Capital Strategy Advice:

Early-stage impact investment potentials will receive customised advice to strengthen their financial strategies.

Advocacy and Sector Building

Activity: Activities aimed at advancing impact enterprises and fostering sector-wide growth.

Programme and Project Management Operating Costs:

This component contributes to operational expenses for Ākina, including travel, impact measurement, and management support.

Targeted Funding for Foundation North Priority Communities

Foundation North’s funding to Ākina is intentionally directed toward services that benefit Foundation North’s priority communities. These communities include Māori, Pacific, Former Refugees, Migrants, people living with disabilities, and rainbow communities, as well as organisations located in south Auckland and Northland. This targeted approach ensures that resources are channeled toward those who need them most, contributing to equitable growth and social inclusion.

Active Promotion and Celebration

The partnership extends beyond financial support. Foundation North’s staff actively refer suitable groups to Ākina for assistance, ensuring that those who can benefit from the services are connected with them. Additionally, Foundation North’s comms and brand team plays an essential role in promoting the Impact Investment Readiness Programme when it is open, as well as publicly celebrating the organisations awarded Impact Investment Readiness grants.

This proactive approach not only supports organisations in their journey to readiness but also recognises their achievements, fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouragement.

Conclusion

Foundation North’s partnership with Ākina serves as an exemplary model of how philanthropic organisations can collaborate with impact intermediaries to create a lasting and positive impact on their communities. By providing strategic funding, actively engaging in promotion, and targeting support to priority communities, Foundation North is not just a grant-maker but a catalyst for social and environmental change.

This partnership highlights the power of shared vision, innovative strategies, and a commitment to building a more equitable, inclusive, and regenerative New Zealand. It is a testament to the potential for collaboration between philanthropy and the impact sector to drive transformative change.