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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Kia ora koutou, One of the greatest strengths of our sector is our willingness to come together, share knowledge, and lift each other up. Here at good ol’ CNA, we know from experience that strong relationships with our members help us grow and strengthen our own work. And we see our members doing the same with the networks and communities they support. We’re a network that builds capacity by engaging deeply with you—our members. Whether through our 50th Anniversary Hui, regular updates, or one-on-one kōrero, your insights help shape our direction, inform our advocacy, and refine the resources we provide. It’s through this two-way relationship that we grow stronger as an organisation—and the same holds true for you and your own networks. It’s why we bring everyone together every two years—to connect face to face, share lessons, and learn from one another. When you hear how another group has tackled leadership development or improved their financial systems, you gain ideas and inspiration to take home. And when you share your own success, you spark growth in others. From supporting better governance through our Tick for Governance Course (over 900 satisfied customers!) and strategic planning, to helping organisations improve fundraising, engaging with Banks, Select Committees, and collaboration—we all grow by reaching out and working together. CNA does this with our members, and our members do it with theirs. The ripple effect is powerful. Your network is so much more than an email list—it’s a community of experience, support, and strength. Let’s keep learning, building, and growing together. Here are 4 action points for to better engage with their members: Yell it to the Rooftops: Through newsletters and social media make sure to highlight member successes, share relevant news, and provide opportunities for feedback. Add this positivity to inspire others Throw a Party: Even if it’s a cuppa and a bikkie, these allow members to keep relationships, share knowledge, and collaborate in real-time in an easy atmosphere – we don’t’ have to be on the treadmill all the time. We are allowed to enjoy ourselves. Pick up the phone: Sometimes it’s great to get a call that’s not about an issue. Just to say ‘hello’, ‘I’m thinking of you’, ‘what’s on your mind?’. These strengthen our relationships and keep us in mind of each other, which may mean reminding each other of what we can support each other in. Share the aroha: Create spaces (online or in-person) where members can exchange ideas and experiences. When someone learns a new strategy or approach, share it widely to inspire innovation and growth across your network. Why reinvent the wheel? Take that idea and adapt it to your own organisation. These are just a few ways to increase your capacity, to deepen relationships, and to help each other upwards. Forward, Stronger! Patrick Davies Membership Engagement Officer
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