Teresa Moore

Living Well Counselling Service in Levin have reported a huge demand for their services according to their latest impact report received by the Catalytic Foundation. 

With a wait list of over 35 clients, they are dealing with an unprecedented demand. During lockdown they are relying on online services to cope with this demand, however, face to face counselling will resume as soon as Covid-19 lockdown is lifted.  

Living Well Counselling services help people return to work, & return to school or education. With their help people are able to build safe relationships, provide a safe environment in their homes and become empowered to make sound decisions.

We would like to thank Living Well Counselling Service in Levin for their community services. They work hard to help people decrease their depression, anxiety, violence towards others, fears and help people improve their overall wellbeing.

"When people experience distress or difficulties in their lives many like to talk through their experiences with trained professionals. Some people do this to understand more fully what led to the current problems, learn new skills and increase positive emotions. Others find having a forum to express their thoughts in a non-judgmental context, while gaining some feedback or insight, the most important part. Counselling can help you discover meaning, options, resolution, hope, purpose, understanding and solutions".

The study had over 560 responses from charities across New Zealand and were conducted around periods of COVID-19 lockdown.

1. First survey in March/April 2020 as NZ went into level 3-4
2. Second survey in April/May 2020 as NZ moved out of level 4-3 to level 2.
3. Third survey in July/August as NZ went into level 4  
   
   

Click Here for the 2021 Community Needs Research Report

Insights from the 2021 survey

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  • Over 90% of charities reported that they were affected by Covid-19 (consistent with the two previous surveys)
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  • 73% reported an increase in demand for their services, which is an increase from the 48% reported in the previous survey.
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  • Having identified in the previous two surveys that “Additional funding” was the primary need of the charities, the latest survey highlighted “Operational costs and expenses”, “Additional financial support” and “Staff” as three immediate needs they need help with.
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  • Charities have reported an increase in the amount of financial support they need compared to previous surveys. The most significant change is in the upper bands of funding – over 25% selected 100k (compared to 11% in previous survey), 20% selected 50k (compared to 5% in previous survey), and 16% selected 10k (compared to 12% in previous survey), with the lower bands largely the same comparing the latest and previous survey.
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  • A new question in this year’s survey asked charities what resources they needed. The top three needs were for laptops (58%), followed by food (44%) then mobile phones (31%), which indicates the need for technology.
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  • There is a significant increase in the number of professional skilled volunteers and people needed to help with charity support services compared to the surveys run last year. This year’s survey showed 45% needing volunteers for charity support services, followed closely by professional skilled volunteers at 45% (compared this to the 17% from the previous survey and 12% before that).

Overview from the Catalytic Foundation Covid-19 Community Needs Surveys

Similar to last year, the research this year has identified that practically all nationwide charities have been affected by the pandemic and have an increased demand for their social services.

For many charities, obtaining additional funding is a primary need and the amount needed has increased compared to last year, largely due to operational costs/expenses, additional financial support and staff. On the last point, the need for professionally skilled volunteers and people to help with charity support services may be an indication that charities are short-staffed and low funded so rely more and more on unpaid helpers.

Lastly, the research has identified that charities need donations around tech (laptops and phones), as well as the more expected food and secondhand goods.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL REPORT 

The Covid-19 pandemic has required a considerable redeployment of resources and focus at the Catalytic Foundation (formerly United Way NZ). Not only did we need to provide emergency funding, resources and advocacy for our non-profit partners, we also reached out to support our corporate partners manage their CSR priorities, within a rapidly evolving business environment. Like many challenges, this led to open discussions, opportunities, collaboration and sharing of resources.

Over the past year, people have shown that they are very thankful for the income and resources they have been fortunate enough to retain. We have seen that gratitude evolve into generosity for people who have been affected by Covid- 19 job losses and are experiencing financial and emotional pressures. This has meant we have moved from the traditional philanthropy model into a catalytic philanthropy model, which involves the generous giving of time, skills, money and resources.  

Community charities and not-for-profit organisations seek to address major social issues. Unfortunately, many of them lack the scale and resources to help them with the problems they are trying to solve.  By leveraging the catalytic philanthropy model, we unlock resources from businesses and donors and then by collectively combining them with the non-profit sector, we become the catalysts for change and maximum social impact.

Bill Gates wrote about catalytic philanthropy "Whether your chief resource is volunteer-time or hard earned dollars, for a relatively small investment, catalytic philanthropy can make a big impact"

To do something for many is one of the main concepts of catalytic philanthropy.  By working under this model, the Catalytic Foundation can get the most value out of every dollar or skill donated and with our extensive 46 year history of community partnerships, drive social change.

Our focus is on promoting wellbeing and looking after people. The rebrand to the Catalytic Foundation gives us the freedom to conceive new technology, ideas and initiatives that will resonate with New Zealanders to accelerate social impact.

We invite you to join us on our journey.

Ngā mihi nui,

Teresa Moore | Chief Executive | Catalytic Foundation | catalytic.org.nz

We welcome your feedback in 2023

If you are part of a community organisation we invite you to complete this 4 minute survey as a check on your organisation's well-being and your community needs in 2023.  

In our four previous community needs surveys since the Covid-19 pandemic started, we have gathered important feedback about the effect of the pandemic and cost of living crisis on community organisations around Aotearoa.  The results of the surveys are collated by the Catalytic Foundation to help us advocate for your organisation and community with philanthropists, employers, government and donors. 

Click here to fill out the 2023 Community Needs survey

Topline Findings from our previous Community Needs Research from September 2022:   

• 85.37% of charities continued to be impacted by the pandemic and cost of living increases in the last year.
• 81.71% of community charities have seen an increase in demand in the previous year.
• 57.82% of charities needed additional support for operational costs and expenses
• 55% of charities require laptops to support their services.
• 35% of charities needed professional volunteer skills such as legal, IT and accounting to help them with their services.

Anecdotal themes emerging

• Demand for community services have increased, however, charities are commenting that if additional funding isn't found they may have to reduce services.              
• Many charities comment increased anxiety levels among the community.
• Additional staff are required and burn out is an issue.
• Donations of money and basic requirements for clients, such as food and quality linen/clothing, are appreciated.

Auckland Charities are the backbone of our communities, especially when crisis strikes.

The Catalytic Foundation Community Fund provides financial assistance for community charities providing support services. We would like to thank the many regional donors and workplace givers, for their continued support of this community fund in Auckland. The Community Charites who are being supported this year are:

• Mangere Budgeting Services
• Kelmarna Community Garden
• Woven Earth
• Love Soup (Rodney)

This collective fund makes a real difference to the Charities, doing necessary community work, for optimal social impact, in Auckland.

The 2020 Christmas Shoebox Project distributed 880 presents to children who would of otherwise gone without. We would like to thank the following organisations for helping us reach out to families in need. 

• Bluelight (Otahuhu)
• Luke St Transitional Housing (Andrea Sikuea)
• Te Roopu O Te Whanau  Rangimarie O Tamaki Makaurau
• Victim Support
• Island Child Charitable Trust NZ
• North Shore Police
• Woven Earth
• Parent group at Corbans
• Waikato Women's Refuge
• Manukau Budgeting services
• North Shore Women's centre
• Kindred Services (Formerly Helensville women's centre)
• Women's Rufuge (Rodney)
• De Paul House (Northcote and Rodney)
• Shine

Photo: Curtesy of the wonderful team at Xero who donated gifts for the Christmas Shoebox Project

Congratulations!

Thank you Dell Technology for donating Laptops for our frontline community charities,

Just Zilch Food Rescue and Palmerston North Women's Refuge were our latest recipients.

Thank you Dell Technologies NZ for donating laptops for our community charities: 
Shore Junction received 6 laptops to support their youth innovation hub, in Auckland.
This will help provide computers for programming and to support innovation, learning and creativity

Together we’ve made Christmas special for more young New Zealanders than ever before:

The goodwill and generosity of individuals and organisations has resulted in the Shoebox Project 2020 helping more young New Zealanders and their families than ever before. This year, 1556 boxes of gifts where delivered to families in hardship so they had presents to open on Christmas morning. That’s an increase of over 50% on last year.

It’s been an unprecedented year for those working to support our communities. Research conducted by Catalytic Foundation (formerly United Way NZ) in 2020 showed 98% of our charity partners were affected by the social and economic effects of Covid-19. Most expect the effects to continue for some time. 

Thank you for making a significant difference to the lives of so many young New Zealanders and their families.

Christmas Shoebox Project 2020 Snapshot

1556 New Zealanders had something to open this Christmas

40 organisations, groups and individuals donated time and funding

32 community organisations received Shoeboxes to distribute to families/whanau

50% more young New Zealanders received a Shoebox compared with last year

11 New Kiwi organisations welcomed into the Shoebox Project whanau

85 Volunteers nationwide assisted the 2020 Christmas Shoebox Project 

Please see below the list of generous individuals and organisations who have provided donations, volunteering and distribution services, to ensure we delivered  Christmas boxes to families in need, throughout Aotearoa.

It's been an amazing effort by a collective of people who have shown they really care.
Thank you for helping support families throughout NZ in 2020, roll on 2021!

Mastercard donation provides post-trauma support for families affected by the Christchurch Mosque shootings

While over a year has passed, the people impacted by the Christchurch Massacre continue to feel its affects. Thanks to a generous grant received this month from Mastercard, frontline charities supporting those affected have some extra help.

A donation of $65,000 was made to Christchurch Resettlement Services, 180 Degrees Trust, Waitaki Multi-Cultural Council, 298 Youth Health Centre, Youthline Central South Island, Aoraki Migrant Centre, PIPS Pregnancy Infancy Parenting Support and Compassion Trust to continue the important work they do helping those affected by the tragedy to continue to heal. Thank you Mastercard for remembering those affected.

"It made my week to receive and distribute a grant of $65,000 from Mastercard to eight frontline charities to help them continue their critical work supporting those impacted by last year’s Christchurch Mosque Massacre. Thank you Mastercard for recognising that the process of supporting individuals and communities to heal continues long after the event itself" Heather Rankin, Catalytic Foundation Grants Manager

Isolation is very much a reality for sole parent/caregiver families, having limited support from other family members and friends. Birthright has regional branches that keep in regular contact to support families and their individual family needs. 

Families have shared their feelings of not being able to have any respite, as having to be available for their children 24/7. This can take a toll on mental health and well-being, as they are the only adult in the household. Basic needs such as food, heating, clothing and bedding have also increased during this time, making stress levels even higher.

Donations to the Catalytic Community Fund help to ensure sole parents/caregivers and their children are supported and getting what they need. 

Birthright supports families to be nurtured, inspired and resilient, and is the only organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand that specialises in working with families led by one person. This support is vital now more than ever before because of the cost-of-living crisis. Sole parent families can be a mother, father, grandmother, other whanau member or adult. They are some of the most vulnerable groups in our society, and we can assist them in their time of need. 

All DONATIONS to the Catalytic Foundation Community Grants are tax deductible and 100% (less credit card fee) and you can nominate charities in your region to get the support. 

Corporate Volunteering and Team Building

We simplify corporate volunteering, so all you need to do is turn up!

Our events are a fun and unforgettable day out for the team, and impactful way for your business to show that you care for the wider community. 

Team building days are suitable for groups of between 5-500 people, and are perfect for corporate teams, conference delegates, and groups from government organisations and educational institutions.

Brought to you by the Catalytic Foundation - experts at connecting donations, volunteer time and resources with the New Zealand charities that need them.

Choose your campaign

With four research-backed quarterly campaigns to choose from, your company can support the community year-round, or participate in campaigns that align best with your values or corporate social responsibility goals.

There are two hour, half-day and full-day options available to suit your needs.

The investment starts from $50 per person, which includes event management from Catalytic and a donation to your host charity partner(s).

Optional add-ons include catering, an increased number of attendees, professional photography or videography, workshop, or social events such as mini-golf.

We get it...

Planning a team building day isn’t easy. Matching your workforce to the right cause can be challenging. And meeting impact targets can be even trickier. More than just matchmaking, we’ll plan your bespoke volunteering day so you can just turn up and jump in.

We will…

• Do your research and link you up with a charity or charities in your chosen area, in New Zealand.
• Connect you with the campaigns or causes that meet your team’s needs or corporate social responsibility goals.
• Ensure charities are matched with the right number of volunteers for their capacity.
• Have a staff member coordinate your entire day, brief the volunteer activities, and cover health and safety requirements.
• Provide you with photos and an impact data.

Download our Corporate Volunteering flyer.

Get in touch to discuss your needs by filling in the enquiry form below.