Wellington welcomes The Funding Network Crowdfunding for local charities

Four local charities will be pitching for support when The Funding Network launches its first crowdfunding event in Wellington.

To be held at Wellington City Gallery on Thursday, 17 September, the event aims to raise tens of thousands of dollars in a fun and philanthropic way. Two previous Funding Network events in Auckland raised more than $250,000 for eight charities.

“Having successfully established The Funding Network in Auckland, we are now bringing the concept to Wellington,” says Julia Capon, manager of The Gift Trust.

“We’re currently seeking applications from charities which focus on social change projects in the Wellington region and look forward to working with four of them for our first TFN event in the Capital.

“Our aim is to support small to medium-sized organisations, for which $10,000 would make a genuinely useful contribution,” she says.

Applications, which close on 30 July, can be found at www.thefundingnetwork.co.nz

Often described as “Dragon’s Den for charities”, The Funding Network was launched in London in 2002 by philanthropist and art dealer Dr Frederick Mulder. It has since spread around the world, with more than 150 TFN events held, 750 charities supported and at least NZD $13 million raised. Pledges start at $100.

Dr Mulder, who was in New Zealand for the first event last September, says The Funding Network aims to democratise philanthropy by providing an attractive and easy way in for new givers.

“The environment we create inspires people to raise more as a group than they could as individuals,” says Dr Mulder. “It also encourages people to give more than just money.

“Our guests hear about new solutions to community issues, they ask questions, and then they pledge support to social entrepreneurs who have big ideas but limited resources.”

Julia Capon says that is exactly what happened in Auckland last year. “One donor, who pledged $3,000 on the night, was so impressed with the concept they came back to us afterwards and made another $80,000 donation - $40,000 each for two of the charities. Now that is truly big-hearted philanthropy.”

The Macquarie Group Foundation and Macquarie Private Wealth NZ are key supporters of The Funding Network in New Zealand, as are The Gift Trust, which is based in Wellington, and Lassoo Media & PR. The Wellington City Council is also providing backing for the September event.

After Auckland and Wellington, The Funding Network plans to take the concept to other regional cities around the country.

ENDS

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