It's just become a whole lot easier to give.
It’s just got a whole lot easier to give thanks to a law change that comes into effect today.
The law change means that the tax rebate cap for individuals, companies and Maori authorities has been removed.
Members of COmVOiceS, an independent coalition of Tangata Whenua, community and voluntary sector, says the change will positively impact Sector organisations who rely on multiple funding streams to sustain services to the community.
Tina Reid, Executive Director of the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (NZFVWO) says the change will not only help sustain a strong philanthropic spirit, it will also help support Sector organisations in the great work they do for our local communities.
“Many Sector groups rely heavily on multiple funding sources, including donations and philanthropic giving, to maintain the huge range of community services, from care for the elderly, to ambulances, and sport and recreation activities,” Tina says.
Jo Lake, National Executive Officer of Presbyterian Support New Zealand says encouraging giving benefits all New Zealanders.
“Not only will increased donations help to support individual Sector organisations, it ensures they continue to provide the important services that our communities have come to depend on,” Jo says.
A wide range of Tangata Whenua, community and voluntary sector organisations have been working for nearly a decade to get the issue of tax incentives for giving on to the Parliamentary agenda.
Robyn Scott, Executive Director of Philanthropy New Zealand says New Zealand business contribute around 7% of total giving in New Zealand, with Trusts and Foundations giving about 58% of the total amount. The figures were gathered as part of Philanthropy New Zealand’s study Giving New Zealand.
“The same research also places New Zealand at the low mid-point of giving: we give more than Canadians and Australians, but not as much as those in the United Kingdom or United States,” says Ms Scott.
Dave Henderson, Coordinator of the Association of Non Government Organisations Aotearoa (ANGOA) says Revenue Minister, and leader of UnitedFuture, Peter Dunne is to be particularly congratulated for his tenacity in driving the issue through in this Parliamentary term.
Petra van den Munckhof, National Coordinator of Healthcare Aotearoa says the Government has also made a commitment to look at payroll giving this year and to doing further work on how to streamline the treatment of volunteers' reimbursement payments and honoraria.
“There are more than a million volunteers in New Zealand who regularly donate their time, energy and expertise to Sector organisations. Many currently incur personal financial expense and any work to assist their reimbursement is to be welcomed,” she says.