Gift Accounts for Migrants

Moving to New Zealand often involves working with a lot of advisors: lawyers, immigration specialists, accountants, and so on. But what about your philanthropic giving?

Since 2009, The Gift Trust has helped migrant donors with their giving in New Zealand, facilitating more than $78 million NZD in grants from international donors for New Zealand causes. Our donor-advised fund (DAF) model means you can support the causes you care about, without the burden of setting up your own foundation in a new country.

Donor-advised funds, which we call Gift Accounts, are an easy and tax-effective way to manage your giving. Simply open an account, make a tax-deductible contribution, and recommend grants – we do the rest. Your Gift Account can also grow, either through our own investment options, or by working with the investment adviser you already trust.

With our local knowledge and extensive connections, we can identify New Zealand charities that are working on the issues that matter most to you. If your assets are domiciled outside New Zealand, our international partnerships can help you bring them with you in a tax-effective way.

Ready to get started with giving in New Zealand?

Talk to our team about how we can support your philanthropic migration.

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Advice and Services for Migrant Donors

Donor-Advised Funds in New Zealand

The Gift Trust is New Zealand’s largest national donor-advised fund that specialises in borderless giving. If you’ve got an existing DAF in another jurisdiction, it’s easy to transfer philanthropic funds to a Gift Account with us. We’ll even work with your DAF provider to streamline the process.

Philanthropic Advice and Support

Keen to support causes in your new home, but not sure where to start? Our team has deep knowledge and extensive contacts within the not-for-profit sector in New Zealand. We can identify local and national charities that are working on the issues you already care about, or we can help you build a giving strategy from the ground up.

Working with Your Trusted Advisers

We’ll work with the lawyers, accountants, immigration advisers, financial advisers, and other experts you already trust, to make your philanthropic migration stress-free and rewarding.

If you’re a lawyer or adviser with migrant clients looking to give in New Zealand, we can help you establish a simple and tax-effective giving vehicle that meets their needs – and meets your standards.

Supporting Your Visa Requirements

Donations* into a Gift Account with The Gift Trust can be considered philanthropic investments for the Balanced category of the Active Investor Plus visa. We can work with your immigration advisers to develop a giving structure that meets your needs.

*Qualifying donations must be made in cash from a personal bank account, directly to The Gift Trust, rather than through a foundation or third-party DAF. The Gift Trust does not provide immigration advice, and recommends you seek independent advice on all matters relating to your personal immigration circumstances.