The Social Cohesion Fund – Why We’re All In
Here at the Len Reynolds Trust, we might be a small trust from “little old Kirikiriroa,” but we’re proud to be playing a big role in a kaupapa that matters now more than ever - strengthening social cohesion across Aotearoa.
In fact, we’re currently the largest contributor to the Social Cohesion Fund, a national philanthropic collaboration hosted by The Gift Trust, designed to tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time: increasing social division, disinformation, and hate, especially the kind that spreads rapidly in online spaces.
So why are we part of it? And why do we believe this mahi is so essential?
The Why: Aotearoa at a Crossroads
There’s a growing sense of polarisation creeping into our communities. Whether it’s online vitriol, growing cultural misunderstanding, or policies that undermine Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we’re seeing the very fabric of our shared society being tested.
The Social Cohesion Fund was formed as a coordinated philanthropic response to these challenges. It emerged, in part, as a response to the Treaty Principles Bill, which many see as a flashpoint for deeper issues around racism, colonisation, and misinformation in our country. But more than just a reaction, the fund is grounded in proactive, values-based giving, the kind that aligns deeply with our own strategic goals.
What Makes This Fund Different
The Social Cohesion Fund stands out for several reasons:
· Te Tiriti-Led: It centres Te Tiriti o Waitangi not only in its funding principles but in how decisions are made.
· Preventative, not reactive: The fund isn’t just about crisis response. It’s about building community capability, digital literacy, and inclusive leadership to prevent division from taking hold.
· Long-term, collaborative focus: It supports kaupapa that are weaving people together, not pulling them apart, and does so through high-trust, long-term relationships.
That resonates with us. At the Len Reynolds Trust, we’ve committed to promoting social cohesion in our own strategic plan. We’ve said we’ll back those taking a stand against injustice, support communities to build safe spaces for dialogue, and fund transformative leadership from the ground up.
Why Social Cohesion Matters to Us
We fund in the Waikato – a place with rich diversity, deep histories, and at times, complex challenges. Our vision is for a region where all children and young people are secure, resilient and thriving. But that vision can’t be realised without a strong foundation of trust, safety, and belonging in our communities.
Social cohesion is that foundation.
It’s what helps a young rangatahi feel proud of their identity.
It’s what allows a whānau to feel safe in their community – regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or background.
It’s what builds the resilience we need - not just to weather climate or economic shocks, but to withstand ideological ones too.
A Message for Fellow Funders
When our CEO, Melissa Gibson, was asked to speak to a group of funders recently on this very topic, here’s what she shared about collaborative funding and the role we all have to play in supporting social cohesion:
1. Start with values: Let Te Tiriti o Waitangi shape not just what you fund but how you fund it.
2. Fund people, not just projects: Long-term, flexible funding goes further than a dozen short-term KPIs.
3. Support the space between organisations: That’s where real transformation happens.
4. Don’t shy away from the ‘boring stuff’: Fund admin, governance, digital infrastructure - these are the bones of a strong kaupapa.
5. Fix your own house first: Ask, “Would I go through this process?” If not, change it.
6. Walk with humility: You won’t have all the answers. That’s okay. Let communities lead.
7. Be brave: Speak up. Challenge the norm. Try new ways. Social cohesion needs courage.
A Call Forward
We believe philanthropy has a critical role to play in holding the line against division. It’s not enough to fund services after harm is done. We must invest in the conditions that prevent harm in the first place, and that includes belonging, connection, and trust.
So yes, we’re a small trust from Hamilton. But our impact, and our ambition, is anything but small.
We’re proud to be backing the Social Cohesion Fund. We’re proud to stand alongside others committed to this kaupapa. And we hope more funders across Aotearoa will join us.
Because when we weave together the strengths of our communities, our people, and our values - that’s when true transformation happens.