Gift Accounts for Cross-Border Donors

The Gift Trust is a proud facilitator of borderless giving. Since 2009 we’ve helped New Zealand donors give $1.5 million to overseas charities tax-efficiently, and we’ve helped New Zealand charities bring in more than $62 million in tax-efficient overseas donations.

Our wide range of international partnerships means that whether you’re a New Zealander wanting to support an international cause, or an overseas tax resident wanting to do good in Aotearoa New Zealand, we can help you make good happen.

For New Zealand Donors

International giving is central to what we do, enabling New Zealand tax residents to support causes anywhere in the world while keeping their donation tax credits. Before making any grant, we carry out rigorous checks to ensure the recipient charity meets New Zealand charitable standards. Unlike many funding mechanisms, we can often transfer funds directly to overseas charities rather than through intermediaries, meaning more of your gift reaches the cause itself.

Examples of International Giving Through the Gift Trust

Carbon Critical Net-Zero Fund – Helping New Zealanders support high-impact climate initiatives such as the Coalition for Rainforest Nations.

Seed The Change | He Kākano Hāpai – Funding Miracle Feet to provide children worldwide with access to clubfoot treatment.

Individual Donors – Using Gift Accounts to support their preferred international charities on an ad-hoc basis.

For U.S. Donors

Through our partners Every.org and Myriad USA, U.S. donors can make tax-deductible contributions that directly benefit New Zealand causes. Once your chosen charitable cause is approved, we provide either a secure donation link or payment details for one of our U.S. partners.

You can contribute in a variety of ways, including by credit card, check, USD wire transfer, donor-advised fund grant, or by giving assets (securities, cryptocurrency, retirement plan assets, etc). After receiving your contribution, we use our due diligence to make the grant to your selected cause and notify them. If you prefer, your gift can remain completely anonymous – just let us know.

Making Your Global Giving Simple

Cross-border giving does not need to be complicated. Whether you are a New Zealander supporting international causes or a U.S. donor giving to charities in Aotearoa, The Gift Trust makes the process tax-efficient, compliant, and seamless. Our expertise ensures your donations reach the right organisations while maximising impact.

“The Gift Trust provides a personalised service for my plan to give, donate and support the causes that are important to me at a reasonable cost.”

— Gillian, Gift Trust donor

"The gift accounts offered by The Gift Trust are a good option for individuals or organisations wanting to consolidate their charitable giving. I encourage all financial advisers to consider this important development."

– Dr Rodger Spiller, Financial Adviser, Money Matters

“An area of importance to our clients is charitable giving. The Gift Trust offers an opportunity to streamline the gifting process, while adding increased confidence and transparency. It also provides robust due diligence of eligible charities and access to additional support services for clients with complex needs.”

— Philip Stevenson, Bloomsbury Associates. CEFEX Certified Investment Adviser

“We would like to recognise and offer thanks for the support we receive though The Gift Trust’s donation. An annual donation from one of your donors is one of the largest donations that Kaibosh receives each year and has been absolutely pivotal to our ability to operate with confidence and to expand our operation across the Hutt Valley. We are extremely thankful.”

— Matt Dagger, Kaibosh, Gift Trust grant recipient

“My gift account has made my giving easy. It lets me get straight to the fun and satisfying part of giving to the causes I care about, without the hassle.”

— Anake, Gift Trust donor

"The Gift Trust provides a flexible and robust structure, to support donors' charitable giving intentions, while still enabling them to have a say in the investment of donated funds."

– David Ireland, Partner, Dentons Kensington Swan

"A Gift Account with The Gift Trust is a great option as an alternative to setting up a charity or private foundation while still preserving clients' control over their giving."

– Steven Moe, Partner, Parry Field Lawyers

"The administration and ongoing compliance requirements involved in setting up a private charity can be onerous, and even risky. Setting up a Gift Account allows The Gift Trust to look after those requirements, and provide support that allows the donor to focus on what they really want to do with their gifts."

– Sue Barker, Sue Barker Charities Law

"The Gift Trust takes the guesswork out of giving. Having support with research and due diligence on donations ensures that funds are truly making the desired impact. It has been a real pleasure to work with The Gift Trust."

– Ben, Gift Account holder

Get in touch

PO Box 19120, Marion Square
Wellington, New Zealand

04 391 4438

info@thegifttrust.org.nz