About us
The Thankyou Charitable Trust launched in 2013 in order to give out money generated by the operations of Thankyou Payroll. We aim to support communities to grow their resilience, connectedness, well-being and sustainability and we believe that the people working and living in a place are in the best position to understand the needs of their community. Thankyou Charitable Trust's grant-making programme is based on grants of around $100-$3000. We’re aiming to address a few of the challenges of non-profit grant maker relationship dynamics through our funding model.
Firstly, the application process is fast and easy, and all online. Accountability is also kept simple – a representative from each recipient group must attend a dinner party and spend five minutes talking about how the grant made a difference. We don't want organisations to dedicate time to reporting; instead, the accountability is informal and personal, including their community and their peers. We reckon that healthy relationships play a role in creating successful change interventions and this accountability model provides opportunities for cross sector community leaders to meet and to hear about each others projects and ideas. We hope this will contribute to greater system fitness and more collaboration.
The second point of difference is the “Pay-It-Forward” funding model. The funding model we use is place-based, restricted to geographic locations defined largely by postcode areas. Successful applicants of the previous grant round make decisions on the next lot of grant recipients. We think that this grant making method creates greater connection among community leaders and organisations by providing a space for them to meet and engage in collaborative decision-making. We also want to use the knowledge that is within communities. Who understands the need of a local community better than the people who are actively working for its betterment? And we want to break down the distinction between fund giver and fund receiver by role modeling high-trust relationships with community organisations, handing over power and using more devolved, user-centric decision making processes. We see this as an opportunity for intervention within communities, as an opportunity for growing connection, collaboration, leadership and for providing funding for projects
Our first funding round was in the 9023 post-code area in April 2014. Our trustees received grant applications and allocated grants to six different organisations and groups based on their perceptions of need and the quality of the requests. In early 2015, when the grant round returned to the Port Chalmers area, a representative of each of those recipient organisations came together, along with several of our trustees and evaluated and selected the next round of recipients in their community. Here is what one of the original recipients had to say about the process.
“As awesome as it was to be a recipient in the first funding round, the highlight of the process for me was without a doubt being part of the panel to allocate funds in the following round. It was really cool to have the opportunity to hear about some of the projects that are happening locally to improve our community and its surrounds, and to recognise the people who are working away, volunteering their time and energy to make them happen. The hardest part was dividing up the limited funding pool amongst the recipients - but this led to some thoughtful discussion around what we value as a community. I am thrilled to hear that the Thankyou Charitable Trust is still going strong, and have more funds than ever before to give away to Port Chalmers community groups. I would encourage anyone who is considering applying to do so - it's a brilliant process to be part of, and the feeling of "paying it forward" cannot be overstated" (Margie, Port Chalmers Parents Coffee Group).
Firstly, the application process is fast and easy, and all online. Accountability is also kept simple – a representative from each recipient group must attend a dinner party and spend five minutes talking about how the grant made a difference. We don't want organisations to dedicate time to reporting; instead, the accountability is informal and personal, including their community and their peers. We reckon that healthy relationships play a role in creating successful change interventions and this accountability model provides opportunities for cross sector community leaders to meet and to hear about each others projects and ideas. We hope this will contribute to greater system fitness and more collaboration.
The second point of difference is the “Pay-It-Forward” funding model. The funding model we use is place-based, restricted to geographic locations defined largely by postcode areas. Successful applicants of the previous grant round make decisions on the next lot of grant recipients. We think that this grant making method creates greater connection among community leaders and organisations by providing a space for them to meet and engage in collaborative decision-making. We also want to use the knowledge that is within communities. Who understands the need of a local community better than the people who are actively working for its betterment? And we want to break down the distinction between fund giver and fund receiver by role modeling high-trust relationships with community organisations, handing over power and using more devolved, user-centric decision making processes. We see this as an opportunity for intervention within communities, as an opportunity for growing connection, collaboration, leadership and for providing funding for projects
Our first funding round was in the 9023 post-code area in April 2014. Our trustees received grant applications and allocated grants to six different organisations and groups based on their perceptions of need and the quality of the requests. In early 2015, when the grant round returned to the Port Chalmers area, a representative of each of those recipient organisations came together, along with several of our trustees and evaluated and selected the next round of recipients in their community. Here is what one of the original recipients had to say about the process.
“As awesome as it was to be a recipient in the first funding round, the highlight of the process for me was without a doubt being part of the panel to allocate funds in the following round. It was really cool to have the opportunity to hear about some of the projects that are happening locally to improve our community and its surrounds, and to recognise the people who are working away, volunteering their time and energy to make them happen. The hardest part was dividing up the limited funding pool amongst the recipients - but this led to some thoughtful discussion around what we value as a community. I am thrilled to hear that the Thankyou Charitable Trust is still going strong, and have more funds than ever before to give away to Port Chalmers community groups. I would encourage anyone who is considering applying to do so - it's a brilliant process to be part of, and the feeling of "paying it forward" cannot be overstated" (Margie, Port Chalmers Parents Coffee Group).
Trustees
Steve Walker : Chairperson
Steve is a Director of Thankyou Payroll. He has lived in Port Chalmers since 2003 and is currently Chairperson of the West Harbour Community Board. Prior to settling down in Dunedin’s West Harbour he worked in London from 1988-1994 for a small import company as their sales and marketing director, but always with a view to travelling the world. The next nine years saw him visiting over 80 countries world-wide, not to mention completing a BA (Hons) degree in Third World Development Studies (1997) at the University of East London and the American University in Cairo during which time he was involved with a number of voluntary programmes in developing nations. It was while hiking near K2 in northern Pakistan during 2001 that he met his wife Liana. His interests include golf, cycling, hiking and football (he refuses to call it soccer!). Steve has been involved settling former Syrian refugees into Dunedin and is a member of the Dunedin Red Cross’s Executive Committee. He is also a notorious quiz master and is a committee member of the Rothesay News where he writes regular columns. He is Deputy Chair of Keep Dunedin Beautiful and also Chair’s the West Harbour Beautification Trust which endeavors to enhance what he describes as “the most beautiful place on earth” His membership of the Society of Beer Advocates is something he prefers to keep quiet!
Carolyn Timms : Community Grants Manager
Carolyn is a geologist who has recently moved back from the wilds of Tasmania’s west. She is an avid sporstperson, loves being in the outdoors and also spent time as a volunteer ambulance officer. She is now living and loving being a resident of Otago's West Harbour whilst raising her family.
Christina Bellis : Trust Secretary and TYP Representative
Christina is the CEO of Thankyou Payroll. She has worked with Social Enterprises for over 10 years, orchestrating a multitude of successful, award winning community programmes and driving significant growth. She serves on 3 not-for-profit boards and has a rich history of work in the community, business, and environmental sectors both here and in her home country of Canada. Christina is deeply fond of classic bicycles and is usually seen commuting on one of at least three that she owns, and often with Aiko the dog in tow!
Halee Moss : Treasurer
Halee is a full-time mum who is busy running a book keeping business from her home in New Brighton, Christchurch. She was previously a co-operative member of Piko Wholefoods, where a highlight of her role was giving grants to community groups. She is excited to once again be involved with an organisation that supports community well-being and sustainability.
Lani Evans : Trustee
Lani Evans is co-founder and board member of the Thankyou Charitable Trust. She is passionate about generosity and citizen led decision making and used her 2015 Winston Churchill Fellowship to develop our innovative 'pay-it-forward' funding model. Lani is the head of the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation and sits on the board of Action Station, the Peter McKenzie Project and Thankyou Payroll. When she's not volunteering, Lani can usually be found running around in the mountains or snuggling dogs (or her husband).
Tom Mulder : Trustee
Tom is a software developer catering to a wide range disciplines with local and international clients. His background includes a mixture of engineering, development and training. Tom was educated locally at the University of Otago, studying Chemistry Maths and Electronics. He is passionate about alternative and sustainable energy sources, electric vehicles and protecting our delicate climate and planet. He enjoys spending time with his family, flying model electric aircraft, electronic gadgets, sailing and following emerging technologies. Being involved in the Thankyou Charitable Trust has been a new and very rewarding experience for him and he is looking forward to seeing all the great things the Trust can facilitate in our communities in the future.
Amanda Burgess : Trustee
Amanda is passionate about building stronger communities and contributes to this by being the Chairperson of Kaibosh Food Rescue Board of Trustees as well as a trustee for Thankyou Payroll Charitable Trust. Amanda has worked in both the health and education sectors for over 17 years in the public service in both New Zealand and the UK. Her background includes a mixture of policy analysis and development, project management, relationship development and event management. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog, traveling and trying to keep up with reading for her two book clubs.
Blair Boswell : Trustee
Blair has just finished eating a chicken roll that he got from an excellent tea room in central Wellington with a penchant for the 1970s both through their décor and recipe inspiration. He has tried many of the pasties and filled rolls on offer, often during meetings where he works as an energy exec for an NZ owned conglomerate. With a background in law and maths Blair is enjoying referring to himself in the 3rd person and wonders whether his children will listen to him more intently if he continues this at home. Blair thinks that the Thankyou Payroll Charitable Trust is ace. Blair does not work for nor does he receive a commission for any new business enabled at Wellington tea rooms no matter how centrally located.
Steve is a Director of Thankyou Payroll. He has lived in Port Chalmers since 2003 and is currently Chairperson of the West Harbour Community Board. Prior to settling down in Dunedin’s West Harbour he worked in London from 1988-1994 for a small import company as their sales and marketing director, but always with a view to travelling the world. The next nine years saw him visiting over 80 countries world-wide, not to mention completing a BA (Hons) degree in Third World Development Studies (1997) at the University of East London and the American University in Cairo during which time he was involved with a number of voluntary programmes in developing nations. It was while hiking near K2 in northern Pakistan during 2001 that he met his wife Liana. His interests include golf, cycling, hiking and football (he refuses to call it soccer!). Steve has been involved settling former Syrian refugees into Dunedin and is a member of the Dunedin Red Cross’s Executive Committee. He is also a notorious quiz master and is a committee member of the Rothesay News where he writes regular columns. He is Deputy Chair of Keep Dunedin Beautiful and also Chair’s the West Harbour Beautification Trust which endeavors to enhance what he describes as “the most beautiful place on earth” His membership of the Society of Beer Advocates is something he prefers to keep quiet!
Carolyn Timms : Community Grants Manager
Carolyn is a geologist who has recently moved back from the wilds of Tasmania’s west. She is an avid sporstperson, loves being in the outdoors and also spent time as a volunteer ambulance officer. She is now living and loving being a resident of Otago's West Harbour whilst raising her family.
Christina Bellis : Trust Secretary and TYP Representative
Christina is the CEO of Thankyou Payroll. She has worked with Social Enterprises for over 10 years, orchestrating a multitude of successful, award winning community programmes and driving significant growth. She serves on 3 not-for-profit boards and has a rich history of work in the community, business, and environmental sectors both here and in her home country of Canada. Christina is deeply fond of classic bicycles and is usually seen commuting on one of at least three that she owns, and often with Aiko the dog in tow!
Halee Moss : Treasurer
Halee is a full-time mum who is busy running a book keeping business from her home in New Brighton, Christchurch. She was previously a co-operative member of Piko Wholefoods, where a highlight of her role was giving grants to community groups. She is excited to once again be involved with an organisation that supports community well-being and sustainability.
Lani Evans : Trustee
Lani Evans is co-founder and board member of the Thankyou Charitable Trust. She is passionate about generosity and citizen led decision making and used her 2015 Winston Churchill Fellowship to develop our innovative 'pay-it-forward' funding model. Lani is the head of the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation and sits on the board of Action Station, the Peter McKenzie Project and Thankyou Payroll. When she's not volunteering, Lani can usually be found running around in the mountains or snuggling dogs (or her husband).
Tom Mulder : Trustee
Tom is a software developer catering to a wide range disciplines with local and international clients. His background includes a mixture of engineering, development and training. Tom was educated locally at the University of Otago, studying Chemistry Maths and Electronics. He is passionate about alternative and sustainable energy sources, electric vehicles and protecting our delicate climate and planet. He enjoys spending time with his family, flying model electric aircraft, electronic gadgets, sailing and following emerging technologies. Being involved in the Thankyou Charitable Trust has been a new and very rewarding experience for him and he is looking forward to seeing all the great things the Trust can facilitate in our communities in the future.
Amanda Burgess : Trustee
Amanda is passionate about building stronger communities and contributes to this by being the Chairperson of Kaibosh Food Rescue Board of Trustees as well as a trustee for Thankyou Payroll Charitable Trust. Amanda has worked in both the health and education sectors for over 17 years in the public service in both New Zealand and the UK. Her background includes a mixture of policy analysis and development, project management, relationship development and event management. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dog, traveling and trying to keep up with reading for her two book clubs.
Blair Boswell : Trustee
Blair has just finished eating a chicken roll that he got from an excellent tea room in central Wellington with a penchant for the 1970s both through their décor and recipe inspiration. He has tried many of the pasties and filled rolls on offer, often during meetings where he works as an energy exec for an NZ owned conglomerate. With a background in law and maths Blair is enjoying referring to himself in the 3rd person and wonders whether his children will listen to him more intently if he continues this at home. Blair thinks that the Thankyou Payroll Charitable Trust is ace. Blair does not work for nor does he receive a commission for any new business enabled at Wellington tea rooms no matter how centrally located.
