Building bridges between communities and philanthropy

Holly Snape, Momentum Waikato Trustee

As both the Chief Executive of Community Waikato and a board member of Momentum Waikato, I see the challenges and the opportunities in connecting philanthropy with the work of the charity sector.

While I can’t speak for all communities, I am committed to ensuring everyone’s needs and perspectives are consistently considered in philanthropic decision-making, so that funding models support sustainable and locally driven change.

Momentum Waikato sits at a vital juncture in the local for-purpose eco-system, connecting community needs with philanthropic resources. As someone deeply embedded in the community sector, I see first-hand the impact of its work and its potential for transformative change. But I also see the tensions, especially around how funding models shape the way communities can, or can’t, lead their own development.

Community-led development is powerful. It ensures solutions are driven by those who live with the challenges, who understand the strengths of their own people, and who will be there long after a project or funder moves on.

When communities are trusted to define their own needs and set their own priorities, the outcomes are always more resilient and effective. Whereas traditional philanthropy is often donor-led, with funding models designed around specific outcomes or pre-set expectations, rather than allowing grassroots solutions to emerge organically.

Momentum Waikato is committed to shaping a future where philanthropy is not just generous, but also responsive, empowering and transformative. This means continuing to build strong relationships between donors and communities, ensuring that giving is informed by those who understand local challenges best.

By fostering genuine partnerships between funders and the frontline, we can shift philanthropy from a model of charity to one of empowerment - where investment in community-led initiatives leads to lasting, meaningful change.

Momentum Waikato has the opportunity to be a leader in this space, demonstrating how philanthropy can evolve to truly serve the people it seeks to support. By prioritising collaboration, trust, and local leadership, we can create a future where giving is not only generous, but also deeply impactful and empowering for communities, so that everyone can thrive on their own terms.