Many charities and foundations are guided by passionate volunteer boards who bring deep experience and commitment to their causes. But when it comes to managing investments, not every board has access to the same level of financial expertise or research capability.

Yet sound investment decisions are critical. The returns generated from endowments and reserves can make a tangible difference to how much good an organisation can do - enabling long-term planning and sustainable impact.

There’s also a growing awareness that investments should reflect an organisation’s values. Many boards are now considering how their funds can generate positive social and environmental outcomes, ensuring their investments contribute to their mission rather than working against it.

Recently, Matthew Goldsack and Halie Hartigan from Trust Investments were invited to deliver an Investment Governance Fundamentals session for the board of a philanthropic funding body supporting disabled people and their whānau.

The session explored:

• The role of the Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives (SIPO)
• Developing a clear and purposeful investment strategy
• Implementation considerations, including manager selection and ESG integration
• Effective reporting and monitoring practices

With a mix of investment experience on the board, the discussion was wide-ranging - from the relationship between interest rates and bond values to impact investing and alternative assets.

Sessions like this aim to provide boards greater confidence in their oversight role, helping them to make informed decisions that support both financial sustainability and mission alignment.

If your board would value an opportunity to strengthen its investment governance, or to review its current approach, our team would be happy to share what we’ve learned from working with foundations and charities across Aotearoa New Zealand.