"Share, mentor,  collaborate, advocate - we can more than give"  said Jenny Gill as conference Chair in her notes introducing the recent Philanthropy NZ conference

It was attended by about 300 people from the huge range of government, private and philanthropic organisations that fund community efforts in New Zealand. Details about the speakers and many of the presentations are available at www.giving.org.nz.

TechSoup NZ was there to be part of the discussions.

We know software and computers are a continuing need for community organisations - and many approach funders for assistance with upgrading and improving their systems.  Obviously it's good news for funders to refer some applicants to us and spread the word - it all helps to make their dollars go further - so we took along a display from  TechSoup NZ  to ensure that they are up to date with our programme.

It was good to see how widely TechSoup was recognised and  used by many of the funders we spoke to - and many charitable Trusts have themselves been able to benefit, for which they are very grateful . As one delegate said to me "it is not often that we are given donations -and it makes our money go further".

We congratulate Philanthropy NZ on an excellent line up of local and international speakers. A wide range of topics were canvassed about using philanthropic as a strategic and catalytic tool - so that funders are thinking more about what and how to fund - and increasingly in co-operation with each other and with communities. There were stimulating workshops and case about topics such as collective impact, developments for Maori based philanthropy, and the role of Trusts as advocates for social good. 

From the buzz in the room, and the feedback we heard from delegates,  there was huge interest in developing their relationships with each other and  resource organisations such as TechSoup, and we will continue to take up opportunities to be part of these agendas.