Kaiārahi Trust: Kiwis On A Giving Quest
Have you ever wanted to venture into something new with your giving but wished you had a guide?
In New Zealand, Robert Reid and the founders of Kaiārahi Trust have stepped into that role. Learn how this new member of the TrustBridge Global Network is guiding generous Kiwis to dream and collaborate.
Robert Reid is a man who is not afraid to launch into unknown territory. Guided by a sense of conviction and purpose, he has carved an unusual path through life that has led him from mechanical engineer to church pastor, and from music festival manager and entrepreneur to his current mission: to empower generous Kiwis to discover their own unique path on the journey of generosity through Kaiārahi Trust.
“Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to build relationships with generous donors and families of significant means,” says Robert. “What I realized was giving away money isn’t as simple as it sounds. Many donors felt isolated. I really felt challenged to start a new platform that would provide a safe space for donors to dream and collaborate.”
So, in 2020, the idea for the Kaiārahi Trust Donor Advised Fund (DAF) was born when Robert joined forces with two well-respected figures in New Zealand’s not-for-profit sector, Ian Kuperus, founder of Wilberforce Foundation, and David Mclay, barrister, and charity law specialist.
“Just like the ancient ‘Kaiārahi,’ or navigator, guided the Maori canoes through uncharted waters of the Pacific using the stars,” Robert says. “We felt called to help donors navigate the unknown landscape of charitable giving and champion the joy of generosity and a greater sense of purpose.”
In 2021, Kaiārahi Trust grew from only six donors to more than 20 and helped facilitate nearly 2 million dollars in grants to a variety of causes.
As an accredited member of the TrustBridge Global Network of Donor Advised Funds, Kaiārahi Trust receives ongoing support, tools, and resources and the ability to make international grants to their favorite global causes
While the DAF provides efficiency, anonymity, guidance on giving, due diligence, administrative management, and tax advantages, the real reason donors love it is about so much more. “Our donors know it’s about expressing who they are,” says Robert. “Because no matter how successful someone is, we all want to live a life with purpose and meaning. As a guide for generous givers, we are helping them navigate their journey to impact society and make the world a better place.”
To see what other inspiring TrustBridge members are doing around the globe, take a look at our newly released Annual Report.