Philanthropic Funding: Queenstown - Session 2 of The Funding Series

Join us for the next workshops in The Funding Series, where we'll dive into Philanthropic Funding with Jennifer Belmont, CEO and Founder of the Wakatipu Community Foundation. We'll explore how philanthropic funding works and how it can support your non profit or community initiative. In this session we will cover: 

• Introduction to philanthropic funding and the Wakatipu Community Foundation
• The importance of building sustainable charities
• The Wakatipu Community Foundation bequest model and process
• Learn about new sector funds launch this year in the Arts and Education space
• The power of gratitude in building strong relationships

About Jennifer Belmont

Jennifer Belmont is a pioneering leader in philanthropy, dedicated to transforming communities through strategic giving. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, she has successfully established and scaled community foundations, mobilised millions in charitable funding, and built long-term philanthropic infrastructure that ensures lasting impact. As the Founder and CEO of the Wakatipu Community Foundation (WCF) in Queenstown, New Zealand, Jennifer has redefined local philanthropy by introducing innovative funding models that engage donors, businesses, and nonprofits alike. Under her leadership, WCF has grown exponentially—securing over $60 million in legacy (wills-based) pledges and granting over $4 million directly into the community within just seven years.

Jennifer is a recognized global thought leader in community-led philanthropy, actively contributing to the Shift the Power movement, which promotes equitable, locally-driven charitable giving. She pursued graduate studies in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership from Harvard, where she deepened her expertise in legacy giving, donor stewardship, and sustainable foundation models. 

THE FUNDING SERIES SCHEDULE

Funding Fundamentals is the first session as part of The Funding Series, created in partnership by huddl, Three Lakes Cultural Trust, Sports Central, the Conservation Alliance and Queenstown Lakes District Council. There are four sessions as part of the series. 

→ Funding Fundamentals

• 25 March, Wānaka Community Hub, 6pm to 8.30pm, Bookings now open HERE
• 26 March, Salvation Army Frankton Queenstown,  6pm to 8.30pm, Bookings now open HERE 

→ Philanthropic Funding  

• 9 April, Wānaka, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, Bookings now open HERE
• 10 April, Queenstown, 12.30pm to 1.30pm, Bookings now open HERE

Upcoming... 

→ Building Good Partnerships: Corporates and Non-Profits Working Together 

• 15 May, Queenstown, 9am to 12pm.  This session is in collaboration with the  BforGood Programme, a collaboration between the Wakatipu Community Foundation and the Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce. Spaces will be limited. 

→ Funding in Practice  

• 13 June, Wānaka, time to be confirmed
• 14 June, Queenstown, time to be confirmed

To stay informed of when tickets are available, make sure to follow one of the groups involved - Three Lakes Cultural Trust, huddl, Sports Otago or email samantha@threelakesculturaltrust.co.nz to express your interest in upcoming events.