Vodafone New Zealand operates a thriving charitable foundation.
We have our own philanthropic arm, the Vodafone NZ Foundation, which is a charitable trust set up in 2002 and funded solely by donations from Vodafone. Since its inception we’ve given over $18 million to our NZ communities targeting healthy outcomes for Kiwi youth
The Foundation operates three main programmes – strategic grant making, the World of Difference programme and the Fellowship in Youth Health Leadership. In addition to its core programmes, the Foundation manages the Canterbury Fund, in partnership with the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.
The World of Difference Programme is the Foundation’s signature programme, funding the salaries and expenses of passionate people for a year, enabling them to contribute their skills working with a charity of their choice. 69 people have so far taken part. The Foundation provides extra support to the recipients by running at least two Hui a year bringing together past and current recipients to encourage networking and collaboration and provide up-skilling opportunities. Recipients are paired up with a Foundation Board member or Vodafone employee for extra support and they receive additional assistance from Vodafone such as Vodafone airtime, access to Vodafone sponsorship assets or Vodafone employees volunteering their time.
World of Difference celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2012 and the Foundation commissioned Point Research Limited to evaluate the programme. The evaluation found that World of Difference projects create positive outcomes for young people, for recipient organisations and the wider sector.
The Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund was established in 2011, in partnership with the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, to support the rebuild of Christchurch. The aim is to make a positive, long term difference within Canterbury communities and be agile and flexible as needs emerge. This year grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 were made to youth focussed and small capital projects including repairs to quake-damaged sports grounds, creation of new arts spaces and counselling support.
Detailed information on its programmes and funding recipients is available there.
Website: www.foundation.vodafone.co.nz