Your frequently asked questions...
General
FAQ's - General
Yes - you will receive an annual tax receipt at the end of the financial year. If you qualify, you can claim a 33.33% tax credit on a donation of $5 or more.
Poverty is a complex issue. There is no one reason for poverty that is true for all communities and so there are no one-size-fits-all answers.
World events like the COVID-19 pandemic, economic crises, climate change, and conflict contribute to poverty experienced by communities around the world. Our vision for a world where every child can grow up to reach their full potential sustains our belief that positive change is possible.
We remain committed to removing barriers that prevent this and supporting communities to become self-reliant and independent. We’re grateful for supporters who join us on this journey.
ChildFund New Zealand is a development and humanitarian aid organisation dedicated to working with children, families, and communities. For over 80 years ChildFund NZ has worked to help people realise their true potential, regardless of their religion, gender, creed, or national origin.
We are part of the ChildFund Alliance, which operates globally. In 2024, the Alliance worked across 66 countries and helped almost 36 million children and families in need.
A regular gift, typically monthly, allows ChildFund New Zealand to operate. Simply put, without them we could not do the work we do – we would not be able to help children and youth. Just like a business or household we need to be able to plan ahead with confidence and ensure children receive the ongoing care they need.
Regular giving means we can spend less time and resource on trying to find funds each month for our vital work.
If the appeal displays the MFAT offering it’s because the specific topic is MFAT Co-Funded. This means that we raise a percentage of funds from the public and MFAT matches it with a particular percentage agreement.
For example, water projects are match funded x5 meaning we need to raise $1 to unlock another $4 from MFAT. So, your gift of $100 becomes $500 with no extra cost to you.
Yes - please use the following details:
Account Name: ChildFund New Zealand Limited
Account Number: 12-3011-0118526-55
Please use your Name as the reference details, (and Contact ID if you have one)
All our supporters get regular updates, appeals and feel-good stories about the impact they are having - in line with our Privacy Policy.
Public Fundraising
FAQ's - Public Fundraising
Yes - you will receive an annual tax receipt at the end of the financial year. If you qualify, you can claim a 33.33% tax credit on a donation of $5 or more.
Yes, fundraisers collect people’s details electronically, which ensures the security of all personal and financial information. They arefully PCI compliant. For both your safety and theirs, they are unable to accept cash donations.
Agencies do not process,handle or hold any donations - they only capture payment information through a secure payment gateway which tokenises your information in line with PCI compliance requirements. Donations are received directly to us.
Our representatives fundraise for us full time and have an incredibly impactful role under challenging circumstances.As such, they are justifiably paid for the work they do.
We employ professional fundraising agencies to fundraise on our behalf and pay a fee for service. No commission is deducted from donations.
We aim to have answered your questions on this page, however from time to time a new question comes up. In which case our friendly team are always happy to answer any questions you may have, and we will update this page if we think what you asked will help members of the public in the future.
Phone: 0800 808 822 or 09 366 0333
Email: info@childFund.org.nz
If you have any enquiries or feedback about face-to-face agents or face-to-face fundraising, you can also contact the PFRA (Public Fundraising Regulatory Association)
Public Fundraising though telephone fundraising and face-to-face is the best way for us to make people aware of ChildFund New Zealand and the work we do. It allows us to inspire, educate and raise vital funds across the whole nation.
It’s also the best way for us to meet with people who want to make a Regular Gift.
With telephone contact we are also able to reach out to current, previous and potential supporters for more than fundraising, such as administrative purposes.
No. If it was a waste, we simply would not do it.
A regular gift is a donation you give to ChildFund New Zealand each month. The value of your gift is up to you, and the gift is set up as an automatic payment from your bank account or credit card.
They are everyday kiwis who choose to set aside a donation typically each month (Regular Gift) by a payment card or direct debit. Typically, they join because they spoke to someone on the phone or out in public, but some also find us online and sign up that way.
Regular givers are extra special people who are the guardians of children across the globe and the Pacific.
Telephone fundraising and Face-to-Face is a highly specialised role, and the management, infrastructure and running of these teams is extraordinary.
We simply do not have the funds to set up in-house teams for this type of fundraising. This is why we partner with organisations who have the skills and experience to launch a team when and where we need to.
We aim to work with an agency for the long term, and we see them as an extension of our own team.
But who knows, perhaps one day we will!
We work with our fundraising agencies closely by giving training,materials and updates.The fundraising agencies have ongoing training, development and learning opportunities for people who represent us.
We also closely monitor complaints and feedback alongside conducting site visits, mystery shopping and attending weekly meetings with our fundraising agencies.
A fundraiser approaches and engages directly to a member of the public in the street, at the front door on in a shopping centre or over the phone. They spread the word about our work and about how becoming a regular giver can enable us to remove the barriers that prevent children reaching their full potential.
Single Giving
FAQ's - Single Giving
Yes - you will receive an annual tax receipt at the end of the financial year. If you qualify, you can claim a 33.33% tax credit on a donation of $5 or more.
If the appeal displays the MFAT offering it’s because the specific topic is MFAT Co-Funded. This means that we raise a percentage of funds from the public and MFAT matches it with a particular percentage agreement.
For example, water projects are match funded x5 meaning we need to raise $1 to unlock another $4 from MFAT. So, your gift of $100 becomes $500 with no extra cost to you.
Your gift will be pooled with other gifts and entrusted to ChildFund New Zealand.
A general donation can go to support children’s health and wellbeing where the need is greatest at the time across the communities we serve.
ChildFund New Zealand works has these core focuses:
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Access to safe drinking water, toilets, and hygiene education helps prevent disease and keeps children healthy. - Health and Nutrition
Support helps children and families access nutritious food, healthcare, and early childhood support so children grow and develop well. - Education
Children gain access to safe learning environments, school resources, and opportunities to build skills for the future. - Safety and Protection
Programs help protect children from violence, exploitation, and harm while supporting safe communities where children can thrive. - Emergency Response
When a disaster or crisis strikes, your support helps deliver urgent essentials like safe water, food, hygiene kits, and child protection support. ChildFund works with local partners to respond quickly and support communities to recover and rebuild.
Making the work possible:
Your support also helps fund the people, systems, and fundraising needed to deliver these programs, maintain projects, monitor results, and reach more children and families.
Yes - please use the following details:
Account Name: ChildFund New Zealand Limited
Account Number: 12-3011-0118526-55
Please use your Name as the reference details, (and Contact ID if you have one)
All our supporters get regular updates, appeals and feel-good stories about the impact they are having - in line with our Privacy Policy.
Gift in Will
FAQ's - Gift in Will
A Gift in Will (also known as a bequest) is a donation left to ChildFund New Zealand in your Will. It’s a way to create a lasting legacy that helps children and families build better futures long after your lifetime.
Leaving a Gift in Will is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference. Your legacy helps fund locally led projects that give children access to clean water, nutritious food, education, safety, and opportunities for a better life. It ensures your values and compassion continue to make an impact for generations to come.
- Residue of Estate: donate what remains after specific obligations have been fulfilled.
- Percentage of Estate: allocate a portion of your estate to ChildFund New Zealand.
- Specific Amount: gift a set sum of money.
- Specific Assets: offer valuable items such as property, shares, or artwork.
You can share this wording with your lawyer or trustee company:
“I give and bequeath to ChildFund New Zealand, registered charity number CC10081, [insert amount/percentage/residue/specific asset]. I declare that the receipt of an authorised officer of ChildFund New Zealand shall be sufficient discharge for my Executor(s).”
Yes. If you already have a Will, your lawyer can add ChildFund New Zealand through a simple amendment (codicil). If you’re creating a new Will, you can do so through a solicitor, a trustee company, or a trusted online service such as Safewill
We are not able to provide legal advice or assist with writing your Will.
However, we can provide general guidance and suggested wording if you are considering leaving a Gift in Will to ChildFund New Zealand.
At certain times during the year, we partner with SafeWill, a trusted online Will provider, to offer a free and simple way to write your Will online (terms and conditions apply).
You can learn more or get started here:
https://safewill.com/nz/childfundnz
If you pass away without a Will, you are considered to have died “intestate.” This means your estate will be distributed according to New Zealand law, which may not reflect your wishes. If no eligible family members can be identified under New Zealand law, your estate may pass to the Government.
Having a Will ensures your loved ones are provided for and gives you the opportunity to support the causes that matter most to you.
At certain times during the year, we partner with SafeWill, a trusted online Will provider, to offer a free and simple way to write your Will online (terms and conditions apply).
You can learn more or get started here:
https://safewill.com/nz/childfundnz
We ask that gifts in Wills are left for general purposes. This allows ChildFund New Zealand to respond to the greatest needs at the time and ensures your gift can have the widest possible impact for children and families.
Because a gift in Will may not be realised for many years, specific instructions can become difficult to fulfil if programmes or priorities change.
If you have something in mind or would like to talk this through, we would be happy to have a conversation.
Your Will is entirely yours, and you can update it at any time to reflect your current wishes.
We understand that circumstances can change, and any decision to include a gift is a personal one. There is no obligation to keep your plans the same over time.
If you have previously let us know about a future gift and your intentions change, you are welcome to let us know so we can keep our records up to date.
You can contact us at:
Email: bequest@childfund.org.nz
Phone: 0800 808 822 or 021 279 8968
You don’t have to, but letting us know helps us plan for the future and gives us the opportunity to thank you personally and keep you updated about the difference your future gift will make.
Yes. Any information you choose to share with us will be treated with care and kept confidential.
We respect your privacy, and your personal information will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy.
If you are the executor or administrator of the estate, please contact our team so we can support you through the process.
You can reach us at:
Email: bequest@childfund.org.nz
Phone: 0800 808 822 or 021 279 8968
Once probate has been granted, the administration of the estate can proceed, including fulfilling any gifts outlined in the Will. We are here to assist with any information or documentation you may need.
For any questions or further information about leaving a Gift in Will, you can contact us at:
Email: bequest@childfund.org.nz
Phone: 0800 808 822 or 021 279 8968
We would be happy to arrange a conversation, either in person or online, to talk through how a gift in your Will can make a lasting difference and answer any questions you may have.
If you are the executor of an estate and require bank details to complete a gift, please find the relevant information below:
- Legal name of the charity: ChildFund New Zealand
- Registered charity number: CC10081
- Trading name: ChildFund New Zealand
- Account name: ChildFund New Zealand
- Bank name: ASB Bank
- Branch name: ASB Business Banking Auckland
- Branch number: 12-3011
- Account number: 12-3011-0118526-55
- Payee reference: Your ChildFund ID number (if known)
- Payee code: Please include “Gift in Will” as a reference
If you require formal documentation, we can provide:
- Bank confirmation letter
- Written confirmation of charitable status
- Any additional information needed to support estate administration
For verification or assistance, please contact our team using the details above.
We’d love to hear from you. For a confidential conversation, please contact:
Email: bequest@childfund.org.nz
Phone: 021 279 8968 or 0800 808 822
Emergency Response
FAQ’s - Emergency Response
Yes - you will receive an annual tax receipt at the end of the financial year. If you qualify, you can claim a 33.33% tax credit on a donation of $5 or more.
When you give to a specific emergency the donation is restricted to that specific emergency and the administration of those donations.
Donations will be tagged for distribution to our partners on the ground helping in that emergency and funds will be released to our partners on the ground periodically.
In the unlikely event that ChildFund New Zealand receive excess funds for this appeal, they will be restricted to our Emergency Response Fund which can help us respond to any emergency around the world.
The Fund can support preparedness & rapid response, recovery and resilience and administration and accountability.
As well as the Emergency you are seeing on this page, we have an Emergency Response Fund that can help us respond to any emergency around the world.
The Fund allows us to be ready for any crisis, whether conflict, natural disaster, or climate-related emergency, so we can deliver help at a moment’s notice.
The Fund can support preparedness & rapid response, recovery and resilience and administration and accountability.
Making the work possible
Your support also helps fund the people, systems, and fundraising needed to deliver these programs, maintain projects, monitor results, and reach more children and families.
All our supporters get regular updates, appeals and feel-good stories about the impact they are having - in line with our Privacy Policy.
Quarterly Appeals
FAQ's - Appeals
Yes - you will receive an annual tax receipt at the end of the financial year. If you qualify, you can claim a 33.33% tax credit on a donation of $5 or more.
If the appeal displays the MFAT offering it’s because the specific topic is MFAT Co-Funded. This means that we raise a percentage of funds from the public and MFAT matches it with a particular percentage agreement.
For example, water projects are match funded x5 meaning we need to raise $1 to unlock another $4 from MFAT. So, your gift of $100 becomes $500 with no extra cost to you.
Donations go to the Appeal and the administration of those donations.
Should ChildFund New Zealand receive excess funds for an appeal, we no longer need funding, or the decision is made to close the appeal, your gift will go to our general funds pool.
ChildFund New Zealand works has these core focuses:
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Access to safe drinking water, toilets, and hygiene education helps prevent disease and keeps children healthy. - Health and Nutrition
Support helps children and families access nutritious food, healthcare, and early childhood support so children grow and develop well. - Education
Children gain access to safe learning environments, school resources, and opportunities to build skills for the future. - Safety and Protection
Programs help protect children from violence, exploitation, and harm while supporting safe communities where children can thrive. - Emergency Response
When a disaster or crisis strikes, your support helps deliver urgent essentials like safe water, food, hygiene kits, and child protection support. ChildFund works with local partners to respond quickly and support communities to recover and rebuild.
Making the work possible:
Your support also helps fund the people, systems, and fundraising needed to deliver these programs, maintain projects, monitor results, and reach more children and families.
Yes - please use the following details:
Account Name: ChildFund New Zealand Limited
Account Number: 12-3011-0118526-55
Please use your Name as the reference details, (and Contact ID if you have one)
All our supporters get regular updates, appeals and feel-good stories about the impact they are having - in line with our Privacy Policy.
Gifts that Grow
FAQ’s - Gifts that Grow
Yes! The catalogue is updated every year to reflect the work that we are doing. Gifts that Grow gifts are available to be purchased at any time until the following year’s catalogue is released.
Given the structure of the programme this cannot happen. Remember a gift is a representation of what could be achieved based on the gift value.
For every item you buy from the Gifts that Grow catalogue, you can choose to receive a beautiful greeting card representing your gift. You can then write a special message inside, and give it to loved ones, friends, or colleagues to tell them about the difference they’ve made in a child’s life.
Gifts that Grow is ChildFund New Zealand’s charity gift catalogue. It’s a collection of items that represent the life-changing work that we’re doing around the world right now.
For example, if you gift a goat, you’re giving a donation to Farming and Income projects. If you gift school supplies, you’re supporting our Education and Learning projects. All projects are developed in collaboration with local leaders and partners to ensure they meet the community's specific needs.
Funds are pooled together and sent to our community partners to support the implementation and delivery of all our projects. For example, this could include the procurement of goats or school supplies from local businesses.
Regular Giving
FAQ’s - Regular Giving
Yes - you will receive an annual tax receipt at the end of the financial year. If you qualify, you can claim a 33.33% tax credit on a donation of $5 or more.
Yes, fundraisers collect people’s details electronically, which ensures the security of all personal and financial information. They arefully PCI compliant. For both your safety and theirs, they are unable to accept cash donations.
Agencies do not process,handle or hold any donations - they only capture payment information through a secure payment gateway which tokenises your information in line with PCI compliance requirements. Donations are received directly to us.
A regular gift is a donation you give to ChildFund New Zealand each month. The value of your gift is up to you, and the gift is set up as an automatic payment from your bank account or credit card.
They are everyday kiwis who choose to set aside a donation typically each month (Regular Gift) by a payment card or direct debit. Typically, they join because they spoke to someone on the phone or out in public, but some also find us online and sign up that way.
Regular givers are extra special people who are the guardians of children across the globe and the Pacific.
A regular gift, typically monthly, allows ChildFund New Zealand to operate. Simply put, without them we could not do the work we do – we would not be able to help children and youth.
Just like a business or household we need to be able to plan ahead with confidence and ensure children receive the ongoing care they need. Regular giving means we can spend less time and resource on trying to find funds each month for our vital work.
ChildFund New Zealand works has these core focuses:
- Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Access to safe drinking water, toilets, and hygiene education helps prevent disease and keeps children healthy. - Health and Nutrition
Support helps children and families access nutritious food, healthcare, and early childhood support so children grow and develop well. - Education
Children gain access to safe learning environments, school resources, and opportunities to build skills for the future. - Safety and Protection
Programs help protect children from violence, exploitation, and harm while supporting safe communities where children can thrive. - Emergency Response
When a disaster or crisis strikes, your support helps deliver urgent essentials like safe water, food, hygiene kits, and child protection support. ChildFund works with local partners to respond quickly and support communities to recover and rebuild.
Making the work possible:
Your support also helps fund the people, systems, and fundraising needed to deliver these programs, maintain projects, monitor results, and reach more children and families.
Together, these areas work to create lasting change for children and their communities.
All our supporters get regular updates, appeals and feel-good stories about the impact they are having - in line with our Privacy Policy.
The Emergency Response Fund
FAQ’s - The Emergency Response Fund
Yes - you will receive an annual tax receipt at the end of the financial year. If you qualify, you can claim a 33.33% tax credit on a donation of $5 or more.
The Emergency Response Fund can help us respond to any emergency around the world.
The Fund allows us to be ready for any crisis, whether conflict, natural disaster, or climate-related emergency, so we can deliver help at a moment’s notice.
The Fund can support preparedness & rapid response, recovery and resilience and administration and accountability.
Making the work possible
Your support also helps fund the people, systems, and fundraising needed to deliver these programs, maintain projects, monitor results, and reach more children and families.
When you give to a The Emergency Response Fund the donation is restricted emergencies and the administration of those donations.
Donations will be tagged for distribution to our partners on the ground helping in that emergency and funds will be released to our partners on the ground periodically.
The Fund allows us to be ready for any crisis, whether conflict, natural disaster, or climate-related emergency, so we can deliver help at a moment’s notice.
The Fund can support preparedness & rapid response, recovery and resilience and administration and accountability.
All our supporters get regular updates, appeals and feel-good stories about the impact they are having - in line with our Privacy Policy.
Tax Rebates
FAQ's - Tax Rebates
Yes - you will receive an annual tax receipt at the end of the financial year. If you qualify, you can claim a 33.33% tax credit on a donation of $5 or more.
Anyone claiming as an individual (rather than a trust, partnership or company). You need to have earned taxable income during the tax year you are claiming donation tax credits for and you need to be a New Zealand tax resident during the tax year you are claiming a donation tax credit for (1 April to 31 March).
- Donations of $5 or more.
- Donations to a New Zealand-registered charitable organisation, like ChildFund New Zealand
- Donations made to an IRD Approved Donee.
- One-off donations or regular giving (monthly or ongoing donations).
- Charity shop purchases or any purchase where you receive goods or services in return.
- Street appeals where a donation receipt has not been issued or the donation total is less than $5.
- Donations that provide any direct benefit to you or your family or have been given via a will.
You can claim donation tax credits for the past four years of giving.
After April 1st 2026, donations made in the financial year 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2026 can be claimed.
ChildFund New Zealand will start the process of creating consolidated receipts in the first 2 weeks on April, aiming to ensure all supporters receive a receipt by the end of April 2026
Proof of donation in the form of a receipt or annual tax receipt. The receipt needs to include the following:
- Your name, or your spouse or partner’s name,
- amount and date of the donation,
- the stipulation that the receipt is for a donation,
- a signature by an authorised person (e.g. charity CEO),
- the organisation letterhead or official stamp,
- the organisation’s IRD number or Charity Services number.
Check your inbox, mail or contact the organisation you donated to and they’ll recreate it for you.
Most organisations will usually have a tax receipt contact on their website.
However, most charities will automatically send out your annual tax receipts via email or mail in April to May.
You can claim donations to most schools and parent-teacher associations.
A general donation to the school, voluntary contributions, donations for curriculum-related items including class trips or classroom equipment. Donations to schools where a donation receipt is issued (or the donation is identified as ‘donation’ within a receipt from the school).
- Direct fees of any kind, including:
- tuition fees,
- private school fees,
- exam fees,
- membership fees for school groups or tertiary education fees.
- Costs of activities that are not part of the school curriculum.
- Costs of materials for projects to be completed at home.
Use your IR account with the IRD to submit donation receipts, do it all at once or throughout the year. To claim your donation tax credit with the IRD, go to IRD website:
https://www.ird.govt.nz/income-tax/income-tax-for-individuals/individual-tax-credits/tax-credits-for-donations/submit-a-donation-receipt
Sponsor A Water Project
FAQ's - Sponsor A Water Project
Sponsoring a water project means partnering with ChildFund New Zealand to help deliver safe, reliable water through solutions designed with and led by local communities.
These projects go beyond installation. They are part of a broader, long-term approach that strengthens community systems, builds local capacity, and ensures water access is sustained over time.
The cost of a project varies depending on the community and the solution required.
Many projects are supported through contributions of around $15,000 or more, while larger community systems may require a higher level of investment.
We are happy to work with you to identify an opportunity that aligns with your level of support.
Your support helps communities access safe, reliable water while also strengthening the systems that keep it working long term.
This includes improving health outcomes, supporting children to attend school, and building community resilience to climate change. It also involves training, local leadership, and ongoing support so that solutions continue to benefit families for years to come.
ChildFund focuses on long-term, community-led solutions to ensure that access to safe water is reliable and sustainable.
Rather than short-term fixes, we work with local partners and communities to build the skills, systems, and infrastructure needed to maintain and manage water solutions over time. This approach helps ensure lasting impact for children and families.
Projects are identified in partnership with local communities and based on their specific needs, environment, and long-term sustainability.
ChildFund works closely with trusted local partners to ensure each solution is appropriate, effective, and community-led.
Solutions are tailored to each community and may include:
- Solar water distillation systems
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Spring rehabilitation
- Climate-resilient water infrastructure
Each approach is selected to ensure it is practical, sustainable, and suited to local conditions.
Yes. You will receive updates showing the progress and impact of your support.
This may include photos, stories from the community, and key outcomes once the project is complete.
Thanks to our partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, most of our water projects are supported by co-funding that significantly increases the impact of each contribution.
Where this applies, funding is matched up to 4 to 1, meaning a $5,000 gift can help deliver up to $25,000 in impact.
We would be happy to talk you through current opportunities and how your support can go further.
All projects focus on providing safe water to communities in need.
Funds are allocated based on priority needs identified with local partners, ensuring support is directed where it can have the greatest impact.
We would be happy to talk you through current opportunities and how your support can go further.
Timelines vary depending on the location and complexity of the project.
Some elements, such as installing water systems, can be completed within several months. However, these projects are part of a broader, long-term approach that strengthens community systems and ensures sustainable access to safe water.
This can include community training, system maintenance, and ongoing support, meaning some aspects continue over several years.
We provide updates throughout so you can see both the progress and the lasting impact of your support.
If you are interested in sponsoring a water project, we would be happy to speak with you about current opportunities and how your support could make a meaningful difference.
You are welcome to contact our team, or connect directly with:
Tanner Skillings
Deputy Director, Fundraising
ChildFund New Zealand
Email: tanner.skillings@childfund.org.nz
Phone: +64 21 279 8968