The Rundown - A Philanthropic Tale from the Southern Hemisphere - May 19, 2023
A fascinating story about philanthropy, education, higher education and the public good is taking place right now in New Zealand.
Why we do this work!
Hey there, nonprofit and philanthropy leaders! I love sharing news stories about nonprofits and philanthropies for a couple reasons. First, when a nonprofit or a philanthropy makes news, it’s usually on a local level and rarely picked up on a higher level. That doesn’t mean that the story isn’t interesting, it just doesn’t have a very broad appeal.
The second reason is that there is no greater teacher for the nonprofit and philanthropy leader than what is happening in our circles today. I have been through so many training and educational seminars and the most impactful learning comes from real-life case studies. Many times, when we catch these stories, we see these case studies play out in real time and right before our eyes. I have a feeling today’s story might be something that gets talked about in the future. To make today’s story even more compelling, is that this isn’t even happening here in the states, it’s happening overseas.
A Story from New Zealand
Today, we're delving into a fascinating philanthropic tale that has been making waves in New Zealand. Strap in as we synthesize two intriguing articles about the GAMA Foundation and its stand-off with Victoria University. So, grab your favorite beverage and get ready to dive into this captivating story.
Let's start with a piece from BusinessDesk titled "Big Giver: The GAMA Foundation” that you can find here. This article introduces us to the GAMA Foundation, an organization established by Gareth Morgan, a well-known philanthropist. Morgan's ambition was to create a legacy by supporting projects that focused on social good, the arts, and education. With the GAMA Foundation, he had high hopes of making a significant impact on the communities it served.
The foundation gained recognition for its generous contributions to various causes, including environmental initiatives, indigenous communities, and mental health research. The article praises Morgan's dedication to using his wealth to bring about positive change, highlighting his hands-on approach in selecting projects aligned with the foundation's goals.
Now, let's move on to our second source, an article by RNZ titled "The Stand-off Between a Philanthropist and Victoria University" that you can access here. Currently, we are encountering a rather unexpected twist in the philanthropic journey of the GAMA Foundation. It turns out that a disagreement between Gareth Morgan and Victoria University has resulted in a stand-off, leaving the future of an important research project in limbo.
The project in question aimed to study the effects of poverty on children's educational outcomes. Victoria University, hopeful for a significant financial boost from the GAMA Foundation, had already allocated resources and made plans based on the anticipated funding. However, a clash between Morgan and the university's management regarding project governance and academic independence led to a roadblock.
Morgan, known for his outspoken nature and independent thinking, was not willing to compromise on his principles. He felt strongly about maintaining autonomy over the research project and ensuring that his foundation's objectives were met. Victoria University, on the other hand, was committed to preserving its academic integrity and independence.
This impasse has created a challenging situation, with the GAMA Foundation withholding its funding until a resolution is reached. The article sheds light on the ripple effects of this stand-off, revealing the anxiety and uncertainty experienced by the researchers and students involved.
While both articles provide valuable insights individually, when combined, they offer a more comprehensive understanding of the GAMA Foundation's journey and the stand-off with Victoria University. It's a tale that forces us to confront the complex dynamics that can arise in the world of philanthropy and academic partnerships.
On one hand, we have a philanthropist driven by a desire to bring about positive change and leave a lasting legacy. Gareth Morgan's commitment to carefully selecting projects aligned with the GAMA Foundation's goals is commendable. It reflects a philanthropic approach that goes beyond just throwing money at problems and actively engages in shaping the outcomes of initiatives.
On the other hand, we witness the critical importance of maintaining academic independence and integrity within the university setting. Victoria University's reluctance to compromise on these principles demonstrates a commitment to upholding the highest standards of research and education.
The tiff between the GAMA Foundation and Victoria University serves as a reminder that even the noblest of intentions can lead to clashes when expectations and principles collide. While we await a resolution to this impasse, it is important to recognize the potential consequences such conflicts can have on research and the wider community.
In conclusion, the story of the GAMA Foundation and its stand-off with Victoria University brings to light the complexities of philanthropic partnerships. Gareth Morgan's dedication to making a positive impact and Victoria University's commitment to academic integrity highlight the challenges that can arise when navigating these collaborations.
The Weekly Notebook
A quick rundown of what I am seeing and hearing in the nonprofit world….
Now Hiring!
I have a nonprofit in Sidney, Ohio that has reached out to me looking for a new Executive Director. I can tell you that this a very strong organization that needs leadership that has strong entrepreneurial and staff management skills. If you have any interest, please drop me a line at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk!
The Mosaic Conference is Coming!
We are just a month out from the annual Mosaic Conference put on by the Paul G. Duke Foundation and Edison State Community College as part of their Graduate Academy for Community Leadership.
This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, May 24th and John Carreon, CEO and Partner of Advancement Experts will be keynote speaker.
You can leanr more and register here.
How Can We Work Together?
Did you know that Pinnacle Strategies works individually with nonprofit and public sector leaders to help them solve problems, achieve goals and gain confidence in their roles?
Why?
Because, this work is hard and it’s often a lonely road. Our nonprofit and public sector leaders need people that they can talk to to get solid advice and encouragement to do the work that is in front of them. If you feel that this can be of value to you, or a member of your team, please reach out to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk.
Ready to Learn Something New?
One of the prettiest cities in the Midwest is Indianapolis and travelling there can open a perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and meet new professionals in the field. I would encourage you to look at some of the offerings of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University’s campus in Indianapolis. The professional development school has great programming both on-line and in-person both in Indianapolis and at other sites across the country. Take a look at their course offerings here!
Online Learning Options from Texas A&M Announced
If travelling for professional development isn’t in the cards (or the budget), the Center for Nonprofits at Texas A&M University has some great offerings! I recently enrolled in one of their certificate programs and really enjoyed the online format and the online discussions that were developed. It was time and money well spent and I would highly recommend this program, especially for early or mid-career professionals. The next session begins in early February and you can learn more here!
Other Ways to Connect
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