JAPhA (Just Another Philanthropic Aucklander) Fund Celebrates Its First Anniversary

The JAPhA Fund, run by the Auckland Communities Foundation is now celebrating its first full year of supporting Awesome Aucklanders.

12 monthly grants of $1,000 have been awarded to a myriad of organisations and individuals doing innovative, small scale, charitable projects in their neighbourhoods. The range of successful applications is wide and diverse, from a community garden in Silo Park (Urban Pantry) to production of a video that would illustrate how bystanders can safely intervene when they witness everyday racism (I Too Am Auckland). Another group used theatre to break down existing stereotypes about ageing and the elderly, as well as bridge inter-generational gaps (Marvellous Theatre Group) and our first recipient; the Pallet King recycles pallets which would have gone into the landfill into furniture. The full list of recipients can be viewed here.

A dedicated selection panel reviews applications each month and after heated arguments influence the others to agree with their favourites. Around 10 individual donors have been making contributions over the past year to the JAPhA Fund which is a way everyone can be an everyday philanthropist; donations of any size all support the ethos of helping people do good in their neighbourhood.

Auckland Communities Foundation, who primarily manage individual and family endowment funds, are proud advocates of the JAPhA Fund; “We see it as a way of reminding people not only that everyone can be a philanthropist, but also that philanthropy is community fun too”, says CEO Hilary Sumpter.

All donors are welcome, as are all applications for up to $1,000 which must meet charitable purposes in New Zealand. Applications can be made via the ACF website and close on the 14th of every month.

ENDS

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