Otago Community Trust was pleased to report its annual results at the Oamaru Opera House late last month. Despite continued market volatility, the Trust was pleased to have approved $11.3 million in grants to over 400 Otago community groups for the year ending 31 March 2023.

Otago Community Trust chair Andy Kilsby noted that the Trust's investment portfolio experienced a difficult year, leading to an overall return of -2.5%.

"2022 was a difficult year for investors across the board, given global economic conditions."

While granting remained very strong, the Trust’s net assets reduced to $284.9, down from $308.6m in 2022 and considering the ongoing volatility in market conditions, prudence has led the Trust to reduce the general granting budget for the coming year, Kilsby said.  

During the year the Trust was pleased to launch its new Tamariki and Rangatahi Impact Fund with a focus on genuine impact for tamariki and rangatahi across Otago and a goal of delivering long-term intergenerational change.

Investments through this fund exceeded $1.4 million in the first year, with two significant grants made to He Ao Hou i Ōtepoti ki te Raki Charitable Trust ($690,000) and Te Hou Ora Ōtepoti Inc ($755,660), both of which deliver programmes supporting a number of our priority community groups.

It was our pleasure to have guest speakers Blayde Forbes and Oshyn Guthrie share their insights and experiences in youth-led philanthropy having been involved in our North Otago Rangatahi-Led Fund.

Oshyn summarised the process the North Otago rōopu followed in administering the fund, and the challenges they faced - including needing to make difficult decisions in allocating grants. Blayde outlined several of the projects the rōopu had funded, and the impact these will have on the local youth community.

Trustees and staff would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who took the time to attend. It was our pleasure to be able to share our activities, achievements and highlights for the year ending 31 March 2023. 

If you wish to view the full Annual Public Meeting you can do so HERE.