A growing number of businesses are looking for ways to support their communities beyond sponsorships and one-off donations. For Whakatāne-based Gateway Funeral Services, that meant creating a permanent fund designed to benefit the Eastern Bay for years to come.
The family-owned business established the GFS Endowment Fund with the Eastern Bay Community Foundation in 2022. By making regular contributions that are invested and grown over time, they’ve created an ongoing source of funding for local initiatives.
"This fund allows us to give back to our community in a meaningful way," says Gateway Funeral Services director Bradley Shaw. "It aligns perfectly with our goal of being an active, supportive part of the Eastern Bay community."
Despite being a relatively new fund, it’s already making a difference.
Last year, it supported the Whakatāne Golf Club Junior Golf Programme through the purchase of several sets of golf clubs, helping introduce more young people to the sport while developing local talent.
This year, the fund is helping bring renowned New Zealand author and resilience expert Dr Lucy Hone to the Eastern Bay, where she will speak at both a community event and the Eastern Bay Community Foundation Annual Dinner.
For Shaw, the fund represents more than charitable giving.
"Like many local businesses, we want to contribute to a strong, connected community. Establishing a fund gives us a way to do that not just today, but well into the future."
Eastern Bay Community Foundation manager Angela Jackson says business-led funds are becoming an increasingly popular way for companies to create a lasting local legacy.
"Businesses already play a huge role in supporting community organisations through sponsorship and donations. Endowment funds take that a step further by creating a permanent source of support that can keep benefiting the community for generations."
Jackson hopes Gateway's example will encourage other business owners to consider what role they can play in shaping the future of the Eastern Bay.
"Many business owners are deeply connected to this region and care about its future. Creating a fund is one way to turn that commitment into something lasting."
Published in the Whakatāne Beacon 4 September 2026.
Could your business create a lasting impact?
An endowment fund is a simple and effective way to support the causes and communities you care about for generations to come. Contact Eastern Bay Community Foundation to learn how your business can build a lasting legacy in the Eastern Bay, or learn more about our charitable giving model here.
