Researching giving
To supports its advocacy and educational role, Philanthropy NZ has sponsored ground-breaking research to uncover where the money comes from for non-profits in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Surprisingly little information was available. So, back in May 1998, Philanthropy NZ published the first "Survey of Philanthropic Trusts", which reported on grant making procedures, categories of grant allocations and levels of funding from philanthropic trusts in 1995/96.
This has since been up-dated and expanded to cover estimates of all funding flows into non-profit organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. In July 2002, the second edition of "Funding New Zealand" was launched - covering estimates of funding from central and local government, philanthropic and grant-making trusts (including the rapidly expanding gaming trusts), corporate funding, fees, user charges, fund-raising and public donations.
Drawing on international research by the Johns Hopkins Comparative Non-profit Sector Project, you may be surprised to discover the biggest source of non-profit income. Copies of "Funding New Zealand 2002" are available for free download from Philanthropy NZ website. Work has recently been commissioned by Philanthropy NZ to up-date this research.
Philanthropy NZ has also initiated research into why New Zealanders give - reported in "Giving Habits and Attitudes of New Zealanders" (2003).
Research from Philanthropy NZ can be downloaded from http://giving.org.nz/research