Fundraising and Sponsorship: Strategic Grants appoints Foresee Communications as New Zealand representative

Foresee Communications, a leading fundraising consultancy, has been appointed the New Zealand agent for Australia-based company Strategic Grants, which builds the capacity of nonprofit organisations to be strategic and effective in their grant-seeking and service delivery. The appointment makes Strategic Grants’ customised Grants Calendars and online grants management system, the Grants Hub, available to New Zealand nonprofits.

Foresee’s Director Heather Newell said the relationship was a logical extension in activities for her agency, which already provides fundraising services across all areas to its New Zealand-based nonprofit and charity clients.

“Philanthropic funders in particular are becoming much more strategic in their grant making,” said Heather, “so it’s important that grant applicants understand the philosophies, the accountabilities required and the extent of the relationships expected by those who make grants.”

“Representing Strategic Grants in New Zealand will give us access to a unique online grants research and management system and an in-depth knowledge and exceptional track record with funders that identifies the right grant makers for a charity, recording their expectations, and supplying the right kind of accountability. I know that the system and the services provided by Strategic Grants will be invaluable to charities across New Zealand, particularly those with federal structures and multiple branches who want to ensure their organisations build an excellent relationship with grant funders.”

Jo Garner, Director and Founder of Strategic Grants, said expanding into New Zealand with a local representative was a logical next step for her business which serves a growing number of Australian charities and nonprofits. “Heather brings the local knowledge from both sides of the fundraising world as a grant maker herself, and as a well-known fundraiser. Heather will be providing a regular monthly commentary on grant making trends and news especially for New Zealand clients, as well as introducing grant applicants to the benefits of being more strategic about their funding applications.”

Strategic Grants has already begun working with St John New Zealand on building a customised Grants Calendar to help centralise the organisation’s grant-seeking strategy and refine the grants research process.