FAQs
Got questions? We’ve attempted to answer our most common queries below, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, send us an email at sharecollective@seedthechange.nz
What stage businesses should get involved?
We encourage businesses at all stages to donate to The Share Collective - from start ups to well established entities. Joining The Share Collective is a great way to formalise your generosity, make your commitment to impact formal and long-lasting, establish your ESG credentials, and put organisational values into action. We’ll provide you with regular good news updates and stories to share.
Do you accept any shares?
Not quite anything! We are a values drive organisation, so we have established a set of exclusion criteria to ensure we can maintain the integrity of our work. For example, we wouldn’t accept shares from a company that engages in the production and sale of tobacco products. You can read through our exclusion criteria.
How much should I gift?
We encourage you to be as generous as possible. The Share Collective is happy to accept any amount of donated shares, however each donation does require administration so we encourage you to be thoughtful. If you have a very small parcel of shares from a company listed on the NZX, we recommend you donate via Shares for Good, who will sell your shares and donate the proceeds directly to charity.
How do I transfer shares?
We can provide clear information on how to transfer shares in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as an overview on your legal obligations and some basic information you may find useful, such as managing share registers. Hit the donate button and you’ll be taken to a page with everything you need. Plus, we’re only an email away.
My company doesn’t have a shareholder agreement - can I still donate?
TBC
Can overseas shares be donated?
We welcome donations of overseas shares but suggest that we discuss these transfers on a case by case basis given the different rules in different global jurisdictions.
Can we choose where our philanthropic contribution goes?
We encourage members to choose which impact area they would like their donation to be focused on: increasing equity or environmental impact. We do not offer donors the ability to choose which organisations or specific projects to receive funding within each impact area. If you are interested in a process that allows you full control over where money goes, we suggest you explore donor advised funds via The Gift Trust.
How does this differ from Pledge 1%?
Pledge 1% is a US based organisation doing great work to encourage businesses to donate 1% of product, profit, equity or staff time. We love what they do. Unlike The Share Collective, Pledge 1% does not collectivise or manage share donations. Instead they encourage businesses to make a pledge and work towards achieving their goals over time. We’re asking you to donate a portion of your business equity to a collective that can grow over time and, we hope, contribute significant amounts of funds to issues New Zealanders care about.
Does my company need to be profitable before donating to The Share Collective?
Absolutely not, we encourage businesses at all stages to join The Share Collective - from start ups to well established entities.
If I donate now, can I get my shares back in the future?
Once donations are made they are not able to be returned.
What shares are you currently managing and how much are they worth?
You can see some our founding donors - and references to the shares they donated - profiled on our donors page. We will highlight selected donations they come in via our newsletter and all holdings and their value will be reported in full in our publicly disclosed annual accounts and reports to Charities Services.
What happens with imputation credits?
TBC
What do we receive in exchange for our donation?
Regular newsletters, the opportunity to see what other entities are doing over time, the potential to connect with other donors, potential tax benefits, depending on your situation , the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to a better world, and good karma points!
Can I get a tax credit?
Aotearoa New Zealand tax policy provides that only cash donations qualify for a tax credit (unlike many overseas jurisdictions). This is a policy issue that The Share Collective is keen to see reviewed and we are actively interested in advocating for change once the fund has bedded down. Please get in touch if you would like to join in the advocacy. explore this further.
Can you advise us on other aspects of our philanthropy, or ESG goals?
Not at present, though in the future we hope to offer additional services to support members' philanthropic and ESG related goals.
Can my donation be anonymous?
Yes, your donation can be anonymous, just let us know on the donation sign up form.
Are you a registered not for profit?
Yes, The Share Collective sits under the umbrella of Seed the Change | He Kākano Hāpai, a registered charity in New Zealand, CC55476.
How long have you been operating?
We launch mid-2023, and Seed the Change was incorporated in 2017.
What happens if Seed the Change or The Share Collective wraps up?
As per the Charities Act, any assets must be given to other charitable organisations within New Zealand that have similar aims. The residual beneficiary for the Share Collective is The Gift Trust.