Hawke’s Bay Foundation (HBF) called a wrap on 2024 with a recent celebratory gathering of loyal supporters at historic homestead Greenhill Lodge. Toasting
a year of significant community impact and endowment fund growth, the evening provided the perfect forum for recently appointed Executive Officer Alesha Hope to thank donors for their ongoing support, highlight the year’s achievements and share future plans of HBF.

With several new Board appointments over the past eighteen months, the evening was an opportunity for past HBF Trustees, sponsors and donors to connect including Investment Adviser, Richard Horrocks from corporate supporter Craigs Investment Partners.

“Craigs are proud to partner with Hawke’s Bay Foundation. As a proudly Kiwi-owned company, we consider it our responsibility to support our communities in meaningful ways and aligning with Hawke’s Bay Foundation is the perfect fit. We see the huge benefit and impact of giving to those areas within the community with the greatest needs. “This year, we were delighted to come onboard as the Foundation’s investment manager. By partnering with the Foundation, we are able to help amplify the positive impact of philanthropic efforts, supporting vital community projects and initiatives across the region. Our shared commitment to fostering long-term social good aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to the betterment of the Hawke’s Bay community for years to come.”

Friend of HBF, Tremains agent Susie Sturt has been supporting the Foundation for several years, and more recently decided to step up her level of commitment.
“Two years ago my partner at Tremains, Jarrod Lowe and I, decided to donate a set sum upon the sale of each property that we listed and sold. We are local,
the houses we sell are often to locals, it made sense to us to support local. Giving back to the community that supports us is a no brainer. Seeing the Hawke’s Bay Foundation grow each year and watching the good that the distributions to the Hawke’s Bay community make is incredibly satisfying. As the old adage goes –
‘charity begins at home’!” Together, Susie and Jarrod facilitated the remarkable sale of the Bradshaw River Lodge property in 2023 (with no commission charged) and all proceeds going to HBF.

Made possible by generous donors, in 2024, Hawke’s Bay Foundation achieved its greatest level of community impact, this year funding 65 charities and community organisations through our annual funding round, and thanks to its growing donor base, HBF now has over $12 million under endowment.

HBF Chair Kevin Callinicos is incredibly proud of the progress. “In twelve years of operation, Hawke’s Bay Foundation has distributed $3.37 million within Hawke’s Bay, with funding this year representing a 59% lift on 2023. “Keeping our operational costs to a 1% admin fee underpins the effectiveness of our giving model. However while our fund is growing, it doesn’t cover all of our operating costs so operational donors are absolutely critical to our work and will continue to be so. It’s thanks to our growing family of donors that we go from strength to strength.”