Seventeen years ago, the Diocese established a Trust to provide tax rebates on donations to international aid projects.

Since its inception, EdAid has quietly channelled hundreds of thousands of dollars to projects across Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific, all while ensuring donors receive full tax relief.

What Does EdAid Do?

EdAid functions as a financial conduit for overseas aid projects. While it doesn't raise funds directly, it promotes projects through its website and newsletters. Each project must be approved by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), and the Trust conducts due diligence to ensure the appropriate use of funds. Donations to EdAid are eligible for tax rebates, with donors receiving receipts for tax relief claims.

What Projects Does EdAid Support?

The Trust's Deed allows EdAid to support overseas development projects, provided they are not for religious purposes. Although many supported initiatives have involved educational institutions, EdAid is not limited to such projects.

How Does EdAid Differ from the Anglican Missions (AMB)?

While Anglican Missions has similar tax status for its approved projects, its focus on large projects requires that stringent requirements are followed. In contrast, EdAid operates entirely through volunteers and has a focus on smaller scale projects. The two organizations maintain contact and can refer projects to one another when appropriate.

Achievements of the Trust

EdAid was initially founded to support the construction of a school in Ngara, Kagera Region, Tanzania, shortly after the 2000 Rwandan crisis. Over the years, donors have contributed to additional school buildings, including two boarding facilities for students and financial support for those in need.

One notable fundraising campaign was "Kash for Kagera," where individuals donated foreign currency through the Diocese, which was then converted and used to fund the school’s construction.

Other successful projects include constructing a 2.4 km fence around St John’s University in Dodoma, Tanzania, and supporting schools in Fiji and Pakistan. Current efforts focus on supporting a school in Mombasa and building a library for students in Nairobi, Kenya.

Ongoing Projects and Volunteer Opportunities

EdAid continues to seek support for overseas projects, particularly in education, healthcare, and agriculture. If you have a project that requires funding, you can reach out to the Trust's secretary, Kathleen, at kathleen.fleck@xtra.co.nz. Typically, projects need a New Zealand-based champion and local leadership overseas, such as a church or mission partner, to manage the initiative.

Additionally, EdAid is looking for volunteers with expertise in finance, administration, or international development to join as trustees. If you’re interested in contributing to the Trust’s work, contact Kathleen via email.

For more information on EdAid’s work and current projects, visit the website or reach out to the Trust for details on how to get involved.