Finding ways for charities to resource share

Kathy Webb

The Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust (TECT) is working with local group the Social Sector Innovation Trust (SSIT) to explore setting up a business hub to help local charities reduce running expenses and collaborate more closely by using a shared co-working space.

"While community organisations are known for the services they offer, they must operate in the same environment as a commercial business," said SSIT spokeswoman Kathy Webb. "It's well-known that this is expensive and those who support charitable organisations often want to see the money they donate go directly to help the people they serve."

Operating efficiently became difficult under those circumstances and often limited access to professional services and suitable accommodation that enabled good business access, said Ms Webb.

"A hub could create an environment that increases the effectiveness of community organisations through better collaboration, communication and sharing of best practice."

SSIT has been contracted by TECT to engage with community organisations over the next month to find out if there is sufficient interest in the concept to move forward.

If there is, the next step would be to develop the model that will best suit the needs as community organisations see them.

The concept envisaged a shared workspace that provided access to back-office support, including IT and photocopying services, and meeting rooms, said Ms Webb.

There were a number of successful charity resource-sharing models around the country.

TECT would provide basic funding to establish the hub and access would include a user-fee component.

TECT general manager Wayne Werder said the aim was to explore the feasibility of providing a hub which encouraged natural collaboration and communication.