Investing for Non-Profits - Essential Questions for Board and Investment Committee Members [Report]

29 May 2015 11:34 AM | Louise Stokes

The basis for successfully investing non-profit reserves lies in addressing 10 key questions faced by all board and investment committee members. 


This paper is intended to help people who have taken up the challenge and responsibility of investing money for the benefit of others. This is, for most, unpaid work carried out in an environment where:

  1. resources available for support and development are scarce
  2. a desire to help achieve important objectives meets a desire to avoid personal and organisational risk
  3. volatile and unpredictable markets have become the norm.

This is also a paper for people in a fortunate position. If your non-profit has a significant reserve or genuine endowment, you are in possession of a strategically valuable asset. An endowment is a precious resource. Reserves of any kind are obviously valuable, but more so when you consider some of the facts. For most non-profits, reserves remain outside the tax system, meaning there is no tax on income received or capital gains realised. Imputation credit refunds, accessible to many, are considered a valuable source of additional income. Investment income is passive income and together with capital growth its production allows a non-profit to generate additional funds (often untied) for the cost of a management or advisory fee. Reserves and endowments also help make non-profits more sustainable and increase their self-sufficiency.


Finally, managed well, endowments not only help an organisation to achieve its mission, they are used by savvy leaders to attract talent and funders. They can and have been used to demonstrate vision, ambition, strength, self-determination, predictable cash flow and sound management. This is important in an environment where government funding is under pressure and non-profits compete in a donor/sponsor market worth $8.61 billion per year.


Please find the white paper by Koda here: http://kodacapital.com.au/docs/investing-for-non-profits--koda-capital.pdf

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia