Roundups with Ros - Financial Health for NFPs
Community Networks • March 6, 2025
Kia ora,
This month, we're focusing on financial health for non-profits. CNA has been able to do our mahi for 50 years by ensuring we have the funding to sustain our work and preparing for the unexpected.
Right now, our Board is reviewing our income in these uncertain times. While we're not in crisis, we're always considering how we would manage if funding were to change. Every NGO—whether funded by philanthropy, government (central or local), or fundraising—faces the same challenge, especially in a climate where funding is tightening, and demands on our sector keep growing. At some point, doing more with less just isn’t viable.
Another key conversation resurfacing is Social Investment. The concept—investing early to save money and improve long-term outcomes—sounds logical. But previous government trials showed issues, such as reinforcing stereotypes and focusing on individual failings rather than systemic challenges. We're watching closely to see if Social Investment 2.0 emerges. We would love to hear your thoughts on where things are heading.
On funding and grants: I highly recommend signing up for ANCAD’s and Community Waikato’s newsletters. ANCAD has just released its 2025 Funding Guide—while Auckland-focused, it contains useful insights for groups across Aotearoa. Community Waikato offers fantastic online training forums—great for learning, networking, and picking up invaluable tips.
Finally, CNA is diving into financial health this month—keep an eye on our socials and community alerts for articles and details of our upcoming webinar featuring incredible speakers. Even I’ll be tuning in—there’s always more to learn! Let’s keep our sector strong and sustainable for years to come.
We would love to hear your thoughts! Here are some questions to consider:
💰 Funding Stability:
How is your organisation preparing for financial uncertainty? Have you had to make any tough decisions due to funding changes?
📉 Sector Challenges: Are you seeing increased demand for services with fewer resources? What strategies are working (or not working) for you?
🔎 Social Investment:
What are your thoughts on the Government’s approach to Social Investment? Do you see potential benefits, or are there concerns for your organisation and community?
📚 Funding & Training Resources:
Have you found any particularly helpful funding guides or training opportunities lately? What resources would you recommend to others?
Join the kōrero! Leave a comment, send us an email, or connect with us on social media—we would love to hear your insights.
Ngā mihi,
Ros Rice, Executive Officer
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CNA Chair Holly Snape reflects on 1 Sector, 6 Parties, the first 2026 election-focused political panel created specifically for Aotearoa’s community and voluntary sector, highlighting key discussions, sector representation, and why community voices must be part of the election conversation.
Kia ora koutou, Gather your team, pour a drink, and get ready for something a little different. This isn’t your average political panel. It’s a chance for Aotearoa’s community sector to tune in together, listen to the proposed direction, share ideas, and maybe even get a bit fired up about the future. Hosted by Community Networks Aotearoa, ‘1 Sector, 6 Parties Respond’ this live-streamed event brings politicians from across the spectrum into one (virtual) room to talk candidly about the realities facing charities, iwi organisations, and Not-for-Profits. With the next election on the horizon, what they say, and how they say it, matters. And the best part? You don’t have to watch it alone. Turn it into a mini event of your own. Set up a screen in the office, book out the community hall, or invite a few colleagues over. With drinks, nibbles, and ‘hellos’ kicking off from 4:30pm and the panel starting at 5:00pm, it’s perfectly timed to roll straight from work into something social and energising. Guided by political reporter Jehan Casinader, expect a lively, honest kōrero that goes beyond the usual talking points. He’s got the gumption, you bring the cynicism. As a CNA member it’s a great way to bring your organisation together to reconnect, network, and kōhumuhumu. It’s also a great way to remind your people why you’re our member and what they get from your membership with us. We’re always looking for great ways to help you provide excellent and meaningful support. Watching together adds a whole new layer. You’ll catch things you might miss on your own, spark conversations in the moment, and build a shared understanding of what’s ahead. It’s part watch party, part strategy session, with a side of healthy debate. Want to make it count? Try this: Make it a watch party: Bring shared kai (remember those dietary peeps too!), and a relaxed but curious vibe—think less lecture, more shared experience. Get ready to kōrero: Bring a pen and paper and make moments to react, question, or celebrate what you’re hearing. Capture the “aha” moments: Jot down ideas or quotes that hit home for your team; and what you might be able to put in your newsletter. Turn talk into action: After the stream, ask “So what do we do with this?” and pick one or two next steps. This is your chance to connect, reflect, and maybe even challenge what you think you know. So don’t just tune in, show up, together, and be part of the conversation shaping the road ahead. The election is closer than you think! Ngā mihi, Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer
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