Te Tauihu is more than a place on a map. It is home, and for the people who love it, there is a growing desire to ensure it thrives long after they are gone. The Top of the South Community Foundation (TSCF) exists to make that possible, turning a lifetime of generosity into something that keeps working for this community for generations.

Community foundations are local, independent, and not-for-profit, following a well-established model of giving that has grown worldwide for more than 100 years and is now present in 18 regions across New Zealand. 

We raise funds from our donations and gifts, invest them to generate ongoing income, and grow the capital to protect against inflation. The income earned is distributed as grants to local charities and community organisations across Te Tauihu. The original gift is never spent. Give once. Give forever.

Today, TSCF manages over $12 million+, entrusted by generous donors who want to give back to the place and people they care about most. Since our establishment, we have distributed over $1.4 million in grants to community organisations across Te Tauihu,  supporting youth wellbeing, environmental resilience, arts and culture, and community connection across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough.

A gift to TSCF keeps giving long after it is made. A $100,000 donation invested through our endowment model will distribute more than $262,000 back into the community over the next 50 years,  while the original capital remains intact, continuing to work for future generations. Donations made during a donor’s lifetime are also eligible for a 33.3 percent tax credit, making every gift go even further.

In 2024-2025, over 100 organisations received $550,000+ funding, from grassroots community groups to established charities working across youth, environment, arts and culture, health, and community wellbeing. Every grant reflects the priorities of our donors and the needs of Te Tauihu.

As a place-based foundation, we have deep local knowledge of the charities and community organisations working across Te Tauihu. We understand local needs and priorities, and we support donors to give in ways that feel meaningful to them, whether they have a clear focus or would value guidance. For those thinking about a legacy gift, we offer the same impact as a private trust, without the legal headaches, compliance costs, or the worry of who will run it when you’re gone.

For the good of Te Tauihu. Forever.