SNN_August 2020 Issue FA_low res

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 33
“Throwing myself out of an airplane at 13,000 feet to raise
money for SPCA … I really throw myself in to my job.”
What will be some of the key things the NZST must do
to overcome COVID-19 and the financial challenges?
We rely on grants for a large portion of our fundraising, so
the future is a little bumpy – will gaming trusts be able to
fund in the near future? Will the share market hold for
private trusts income? Will rental income hold for
commercial properties that fund trusts? How long will it
take for everything to settle down? I’m looking to
strengthen our relationships with individual donors and
business partners, so we can grow a more balanced
fundraising programme.
Why should companies/people support the NZST?
Because this team does an amazing job supporting a part
of our New Zealand community which have had some
major hurdles to overcome (and will have more in the
future) and who frequently are side-lined in an
‘able-bodied’ focused world.
Our team model real life with an SCI and show how
positive it can be. When the NZST says we ‘support
positive futures’, our team live that vision. The SCI
community is a sub-section of the broader community
and is just as diverse and capable – they are a force to be
reckoned with and should not be overlooked by the
business community. They have so much to offer in terms
of skill, talent, creativity and purchasing power. Any
business which supports the Trust’s work supports people
with an SCI to get back on track with their life -
participating in and contributing to New Zealand life
in general.
What type of partnerships could be achieved?
We do not have a lot of programme or activity costs – the
majority of our operating expenses is paying staff salaries.
And boy, are they worth it! We are interested in true
partnerships – where both sides are equal and have a
genuine desire to help each other. We find ways to
acknowledge a business’s support in a way that promotes
the business them, without compromising NZST’s
relationships with our clients or our ability to advocate.
But, if any business wanted to give generously just because
they felt good about that – we could work with that too.
Are you excited about New Zealand post COVID-19
and the opportunities for the NZST to grow and
further develop?
I’m excited that COVID-19 gave us an opportunity to reach
out to our community and start conversations around
NZST’s funding and how people can support us. This was
something which had been planned, but COVID-19 gave
us the opportunity to do it sooner. I wouldn’t want to
always reach out as a result of a national emergency, but it
was good to have a positive aspect to this situation. In the
past we have relied heavily on grant funders, and not
given individuals many direct opportunities to help us
keep doing what we do. So many people appreciate the
work this team does and it is lovely that they have had the
opportunity to show that in a really helpful and practical
way. I think many people might have thought we were
government-funded, and had not realised how much the
Trust relies on fundraising to keep going. Now that they
do, they have really stepped up to support us. Many have
even begun monthly donations, which is a huge help in
‘flattening’ our budget bumps.
What is the goal for your role at the NZST?
To develop a broad, even platform for fundraising – not
too reliant on any one particular area. Also, it would be
good to reach a point where the Trust could launch a
capital campaign to raise funds for a new building.
Perhaps even reach the point where people would consider
leaving a gift in their Will to support the Trust’s work
beyond their lifetime. All long-term plans – first, we have
to make sure we can always pay our bills and be here to
support people with SCIs, and their whānau and friends,
as they get on with life. My contact with donors so far
has been nothing but positive – the NZST has such
awesome community support. On a more personal level,
I am looking forward to really getting to know our
community more.
For Fundraising and Partnership
opportunities contact:
Su Marshall - National Fundraising Manager
+64 21 288 3011 | su.marshall@nzspinaltrust.org.nz