Mount Aspiring College endowment fund boosted to $350,000

A new endowment fund is on its way to making a lasting difference at Mount Aspiring College, thanks to strong early support from local donors.

The MAC Foundation Aspiring Endowment Fund was launched in 2024 and received a surge of new support after being publicly promoted for the first time last month. Recent contributions have boosted the fund to $350,000, bringing it closer to its $1 million goal, the point at which annual distributions to the school will begin.

MAC Foundation chair Matt Williams says the recent wave of support reflects the community’s belief in the fund’s long-term impact.

“We’re incredibly grateful to those who have stepped forward so early in the life of the fund,” says Williams. “Their generosity is helping us build a legacy that will benefit students for many years to come.”

Among the first major donors are Ann-Louise Stokes of Wools of Wānaka, who has contributed $100,000, and Adam and Anna Edgar, who have committed to an annual donation of $10,000.

Stokes, who has had a daughter attend Mount Aspiring College, read an article about the new fund and wanted to make a donation which she believes is an investment in the town’s future.

“We all know someone who has been through MAC, whether it’s a child, grandchild, neighbour or teacher – it is the beating heart of the town,” says Stokes.

Adam Edgar, whose daughter is currently in Year 7 at Mount Aspiring College and has another daughter who will attend in the future, believes that when MAC thrives, the whole community benefits.

“Longer term, if we can grow the fund to a more significant size, it will give the school the ability to do the extra things that fall outside normal funding channels – things that can make a real difference for students.”

Mount Aspiring College principal Nicola Jacobsen said the fund is already starting to make an impact for the school community.

“For the past two years, MAC Foundation has funded the appointment of an onsite Educational Psychologist at the school. Families relying on the Ministry of Education’s regional services were facing wait times of six weeks to four months but with this role onsite, there is daily access to support for students, families and teachers and an opportunity to improve school life for the student.

Over the years, the Foundation has funded a wide range of initiatives for the school, including library and IT resources, and specialist equipment for the performance and music classrooms, such as a recording studio and lighting rigs.

“The Te Ūkaipō Scholarship funded by MAC Foundation enables students to visit their marae, an experience that is often difficult because of the geographical challenges of living in Wānaka. For many, this marks the beginning of reconnecting with their culture and building a stronger sense of identity,” adds Jacobsen.

The MAC Foundation also owns the MAC Hostel buildings and the land on which they sit. Income generated from the hostel represents the largest annual donation received by the college, providing significant financial support for operational grants.

Williams says the Foundation is now focused on growing the endowment fund to $1 million, which will allow it to begin making annual distributions to the school.

“Better outcomes for students mean a stronger, healthier community. That’s what drives us,” says Williams.
 
“As the Endowment Fund grows, we’re in a position to work with the College to meet emerging needs. Some of the areas we’re looking at include specialist resources such as a nurse practitioner, literacy and numeracy support teachers, and a dedicated budget for IT and AI tools.”

He says the Foundation is now actively seeking trustees and volunteers with fundraising experience to help grow the fund and support its long-term vision. Business partnerships are also underway, with further announcements expected soon.

“Every donation, large or small, helps us build a sustainable future for our school,” says Williams. “We invite others to be part of this journey.”

Main Image: MAC Foundation Trustees pictured are Peter Hall, Kenny Vaugh, Henry Taylor, chair Matt Williams. Ben Taylor (MAC board member) and principal Nicola Jacobsen are advisory trustees to the MAC Foundation. Simon Telfer is chair of the Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board and trustee of the Armstrong Trust.