During its recent annual meeting, the foundation announced it had almost doubled its funds under management, to $2.5 million, in a single year.
The strong growth was celebrated by donors, grant recipients and the public at the meeting, where chairman Bill Thomson highlighted the foundation’s financial position.
"As at 31 March 2026, funds under management totalled $2.5m, a significant increase from last year’s $1.4m," he said.
"[This] enabled grants to charitable causes in the Clutha District totalling $49,000, bringing our total grants . . . since 2020 to approximately $319,000."
The meeting featured a panel discussion with Thomas Lee, of Tokomairiro High School, and Thomas Christie, of Blue Mountain College.
The pair were recipients of the 2025 Lyddon Scholarship which enables one student from each of the district’s five secondary schools to attend the Blue Light Life Skills Camp.
They discussed what they had learnt about leadership, teamwork, and communication.
"Listen to everyone before you start moving," Mr Lee said.
"Make sure to listen for ideas being suggested by others, even if they’re quiet."
The foundation also announced their newly-established Blair Cross Health Services Scholarship, to support a selected Clutha-resident student in a tertiary health-related course, saying applications would be sought from September.
Guest speaker Steve Davie spoke about the upcoming "great wealth transfer," where, over the next 25 years, more than $1.6 trillion is expected to be transferred from baby boomers to younger generations.
He said only 55% of New Zealanders had a will, and cited studies finding 70% of family wealth is lost by the second generation and up to 90% by the third, to point out the long-term benefits of community foundations.
"Wouldn’t it be better give where you live now, while you’re alive and can see the results of your generosity?" he said.
Community Foundations Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Eleanor Cater congratulated the Clutha Foundation on its achievements since incorporation in 2018, and the value it would "provide now and forever to the Clutha district".
