Read our Conference Report online. - Philanthropy New Zealand

speakers“Treating people with unconditional respect,
does actually work.”
Sir Stephen Tindall from The Tindall Foundation
“They inspire me every day to do all that’s in my
power to offer them the opportunities and safety
net that I had and that every child deserves.”
Emily Tow Jackson, from the Tow Foundation, USA
Emily Tow Jackson
Emily spoke powerfully about how today’s generation of philanthropists want to lead social
change, not just write cheques, and that small organisations have the power to achieve this.
Under her leadership, her own family’s Tow Foundation – inspired by the case of brutally jailed
teenager “Emily J” – made the leap into catalytic philanthropy and ultimately led to the successful
transformation of Connecticut’s entire justice system.
“If we were going to not just help 15 or 50 people but whole
communities, we needed to do things differently.”
The board began collaborating with non-profit leaders, government and advocates for legislative
change. Two decades later, thousands of youths receive quality therapeutic care instead of being
jailed and Emily is working to replicate the transformation in New York.
“We are not a big organisation, but we have managed to deliver a catalytic impact by being bold,”
said Emily, urging Kiwi grantmakers to do the same.
Read Emily’s personal story of how her passion for working with youth began
in New Zealand, HERE
Hear her on Nine to Noon, HERE
Watch her presentation, HERE
Stephen Tindall
Sir Stephen Tindall spoke about the Tindall Foundation’s move from “pure charity” to deeper work
bringing social change in recent years.
Such projects include growing community foundations, training and employing more Maori
and Pacific people in South Auckland’s health sector and connecting young people to relevant
qualifications and available jobs. Collaboration with others – government and communities – is
key, Sir Stephen said.
“We can’t do it alone. The government can’t do it alone.
It’s about joining ourselves up and trying to solve problems
that actually exist in this country.”
What has The Tindall Foundation learned?
• Remain flexible, but stick to your road map.
• Be engaged but you are a funder, not a friend.
• Use steering groups and advisory panels. “This works a treat”
with round table discussions of interested parties getting things moving.
• Look for an appetite for change within communities.
• A warm head, cool heart, hard nose and patience.
Asked about the next generation, he suggests parents use the rule of thirds when supplying pocket
money – spend a third, save a third and give a third away:
“Teach kids that you are supposed to share your income with others.”
See Stephen’s presentation, HERE
Hear Stephen’s Radio New Zealand interview, HERE
“Absolutely standout.” Adrienne Thurston, Hugh Green Foundation, on Emily Tow Jackson
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