The Kate Sheppard Women’s Fund

The Power and Strength of Women. 

In 1893 Kate Sheppard and her peers gathered the signatures of nearly 32,000 New Zealand women to demonstrate the groundswell of support for their cause to give women the vote.

A 270-m-long petition, then the largest ever presented to Parliament – was unrolled across the chamber of the House with dramatic effect. The Electoral Act 1893 was passed by both houses of Parliament and became law on 19 September. The news took New Zealand by storm and inspired suffrage movements all over the world. Today women and girls in Christchurch continue to be a powerful force for change.

To play our part in ensuring this proud legacy of changemakers continues, we’ve created the Christchurch Foundation Women’s Fund. It’s a unique model of giving where you can join a large community of other donors and take charge of who the pooled donations will help each year. You will come together at our annual events and get to vote on which causes and female changemakers are awarded the grants.

Significant numbers of women and girls work hard at the grassroots level. Often, like those from our past, the impact of these community leaders is amplified when supported by others. Our fund was established to provide these leaders with support by investing in their potential to grow their impact and make our city better, for everyone.

To become a member of our giving circle, the donation is $1,000 (plus $100 to administration costs). You can make a regular donation each month if that works for you.

- Join a community of like-minded women for friendships, business, inspiration, and laughter.

- Opportunities to learn, network and meet women from all walks of life

- Exclusive invites to regular events like our annual high tea

- Voting rights for the year’s grant recipients

If you are interested in supporting the fund please fill out the form below or for more information check out this brochure. Contact julia@christchurchfoundation.org.nz