Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was Friends of New Zealand (FNZ) created?
FNZ was established to bridge philanthropy between the U.S. and New Zealand, providing a trusted and tax-efficient way for U.S. donors to support charitable initiatives in New Zealand. While there are other international grantmaking clearinghouses, FNZ is uniquely focused on New Zealand-specific philanthropy, ensuring funds reach trusted charities and impactful projects.
2. What makes FNZ different from other international giving organizations?
FNZ is the only dedicated U.S.-based nonprofit focused solely on supporting New Zealand charities. Unlike other international grantmaking organizations, FNZ:
Cultivates donor relationships using the community foundation model, providing personalized engagement and impact tracking.
Partners with established New Zealand organizations, such as the Wakatipu Community Foundation (WCF), Community Foundations of New Zealand (CFNZ), and the New Zealand Nature Fund, ensuring high-impact, well-governed grants.
Supports a broad range of causes, from conservation and environmental protection to arts, culture, education, and community resilience.
3. Who governs Friends of New Zealand?
FNZ is led by a board of experienced philanthropists, nonprofit leaders, and financial experts, including key advisors such as:
Jennifer Belmont – Executive Director
Leads FNZ’s strategic direction, donor relations, and compliance with U.S. and New Zealand tax regulations.
Experience: CEO of Wakatipu Community Foundation, extensive background in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and donor stewardship, with graduate studies in nonprofit management at Harvard.
Kristen Holtzman – Board Member
Provides governance oversight and supports donor engagement strategies.
•Experience: Founder of Impact100 New Zealand, board member of National Jewish Health, former trustee of Wakatipu Community Foundation, extensive experience in philanthropy and fundraising.
Katherine Schuitemaker – Board Member
Supports outreach strategy and fundraising efforts with corporate and individual donors.
Experience: Experienced strategist in social impact and philanthropy, former board chair of IslandWood, has worked with major organizations including Microsoft, HP, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Julie Scofield – Board Member
Oversees FNZ’s financial strategy, compliance, and fiscal responsibility.
Experience: Former Executive Director of SBANE, experienced in nonprofit governance, currently involved in conservation and business mentorship.
External Consultants – Grant Compliance & Legal Advisors
Provide expertise on IRS equivalency determinations, compliance, and grant structuring.
Specialists in nonprofit tax law and international philanthropy.
Key Advisors
FNZ benefits from the guidance of distinguished advisors with expertise in philanthropy, investment, and compliance.
4. Can FNZ help connect U.S. donors with philanthropic opportunities in New Zealand?
Yes! FNZ actively engages with donors to match their giving priorities with trusted New Zealand charities. We provide donor education, impact reporting, and direct access to vetted nonprofit partners in New Zealand.
5. Does FNZ provide donor-advised funds (DAFs)?
Yes. FNZ offers donor-advised funds (DAFs) for U.S. donors who want to make structured, long-term giving commitments to New Zealand charities.
This allows donors to:
Receive an immediate tax deduction while distributing funds over time.
Support multiple charities while working with FNZ’s philanthropic advisors.
Ensure compliance with IRS and NZ charity regulations.
6. Does FNZ support corporate or institutional philanthropy?
Yes. FNZ provides customized corporate giving programs, allowing U.S. businesses and institutions to support New Zealand-based charitable initiatives that align with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
7. Can FNZ help facilitate matching grants or impact partnerships?
Yes. FNZ works with foundations, institutions, and major donors to create matching grant opportunities and strategic partnerships, maximizing the impact of philanthropic giving to New Zealand.
8. How does FNZ ensure compliance with U.S. and New Zealand regulations?
FNZ follows strict IRS guidelines for international grantmaking, including:
Expenditure responsibility or equivalency determination for all grants.
Due diligence and compliance checks on all recipient charities.
Ongoing monitoring and reporting to ensure funds are used for their intended purpose.
Additionally, FNZ ensures alignment with New Zealand’s charitable regulations, working with partners like Community Foundations of New Zealand and NZ tax and legal experts.
9. How can New Zealand charities become eligible for FNZ funding?
New Zealand charities must be registered with Charities Services NZ and meet FNZ’s compliance and impact reporting requirements. Interested organizations can contact us for further information.
10. Where can I learn more or get involved?
For more information on how to donate, partner, or apply for funding, visit our website or contact us at jennifer@friendsofnz.org.
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1. What is Friends of New Zealand (FNZ)?
Friends of New Zealand (FNZ) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that enables tax-deductible giving for U.S. donors to trusted charities and initiatives in New Zealand. FNZ ensures that funds are distributed efficiently, transparently, and in compliance with U.S. and New Zealand regulations.
2. How does my donation benefit New Zealand charities?
Your donation goes directly to vetted New Zealand-based charitable organizations in conservation, arts, culture, and community development. FNZ ensures that your gift is strategically allocated for maximum impact.
3. Can I direct my donation to a specific charity or cause?
Yes! You can recommend a specific New Zealand charity or select a priority area (e.g., conservation, arts, community resilience), and FNZ will ensure your funds support relevant, high-impact projects.
4. Are my donations tax-deductible in the U.S.?
Yes. FNZ will be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, meaning your contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by U.S. law. (Application pending and expected registration June 2025).
5. What are the fees associated with donating through FNZ?
FNZ operates with full transparency on fees to cover administrative costs:
No fees for donations to charities holding endowments with the Wakatipu Community Foundation (WCF).
A suggested 1% top-up fee for donations to charities with WCF endowments.
A 1% fee (capped at $25,000 per year) for donations to charities without an endowment at WCF. This is well below what clearinghouses are charging (typically 1-3%)
Bank transfer fees are deducted from the final grant amount.
6. How quickly are donations transferred to charities?
Funds are granted within 30 days of completion of compliance and vetting processes. This process ensures that all recipient charities meet FNZ’s legal, regulatory, and impact standards. The review period may extend beyond 30 days if additional documentation or verification is required, but grants will not be issued before compliance is complete.
7. How do I make a donation?
You can donate via check, wire transfer, securities, or donor-advised funds (DAFs). Please contact us at jennifer@friendsofnz.org for donation instructions.
8. Can I leave a legacy gift through my estate?
Absolutely. FNZ works with donors on legacy giving and wills-based philanthropy to create lasting impact in New Zealand.
9. Does FNZ invest donations before distribution?
In cases where funds are held temporarily, they may earn interest on deposits, which helps sustain FNZ’s operations and grantmaking efforts.
10. How does FNZ ensure accountability for the charities receiving grants?
All recipient organizations are vetted registered New Zealand charities. FNZ requires compliance with reporting standards, ensuring that funds are used as intended and delivering measurable impact.
1. How can my New Zealand charity receive funds from FNZ?
Your charity must be a registered New Zealand charity and meet FNZ’s compliance and reporting requirements.
2. Do we need an endowment with the Wakatipu Community Foundation (WCF) to receive donations?
No. Any registered New Zealand charity can receive donations through FNZ. However, charities with WCF endowments receive reduced or no administrative fees, making it a cost-effective option.
3. What fees apply to grants received through FNZ?
No fees for WCF endowment holders.
A suggested 1% top-up fee for WCF endowment holders.
A 1% fee (up to $25,000 per year) for non-endowment charities. This fee is well below the industry standard of 1-3%.
Bank transfer fees apply to all disbursements.
4. How long does it take to receive a grant once a donor contributes?
Funds are granted within 30 days of completion of compliance and vetting processes. This ensures recipient organizations meet all legal and financial requirements before receiving funds. If additional documentation is needed, the process may extend beyond 30 days, but grants will not be issued before compliance is verified.
5. Does FNZ provide grants outside of donor-directed funds?
FNZ primarily facilitates donor-directed funding but may offer select discretionary grants aligned with conservation, arts, and community resilience efforts.
6. Can FNZ assist with fundraising in the U.S.?
Yes. FNZ can help charities engage U.S. donors by providing a trusted tax-deductible donation pathway and potential exposure at donor events and fundraisers in the U.S.
7. What reporting requirements does my charity need to meet?
Recipient charities must report on grant use, outcomes, and impact in alignment with FNZ’s monitoring and evaluation framework.
8. Can my organization receive funding for capital projects or operational expenses?
Yes, as long as the funding request aligns with FNZ’s mission and donor intent.
9. How can my charity establish an endowment with WCF?
FNZ works closely with WCF to help charities establish sustainable endowment funds. Contact us for details.
10. How do we apply to be a recognized charity with FNZ?
Submit an expression of interest through FNZ’s contact and our team will review your eligibility.