The most common question we are asked is: what do you do?
The Common Good Foundation is a funding distribution charity. This means that we are a bridge between those who wish to donate and those who are most in need - and serving those most in need.
Each year we have an annual appeal called "Caring Sunday" and in September, we call for applications for grants. Our Board meets to determine the grant recipients and we distribute from the funds raised through the annual appeal, and we also distribute funds on behalf of the Tindall Foundation. See our "Apply for Funding" page for more information about the grant application process.
The Common Good Foundation began its journey as Catholic Care Foundation. This was established in 1982 by the first Bishop of Hamilton, Bishop Edward Gaines, to do what the Bible tells us to do: to love God and to love our neighbour. We do this by raising funds to distribute to organisations that care for people who cannot care for themselves.
In 2015 we began a journey to strategically strengthen the organisation’s purpose and increase the impact on our community. This has led to the decision in 2018 to update the name of our Foundation to the Common Good Foundation.
We knew it was time to be more relevant, be seen in action, let our vibrancy, independence and originality within the market shine through. We are grounded in our Catholic values and will continue to reach, serve and help to sustain all within the central North Island. No matter our background, we can all work together to help anyone in need. With your support, we have helped so many; but as needs continue to grow, it is time for us to step up and do more.
‘Common Good’ is a key principle of Catholic social teaching and is defined as “the complete development of all the people of the world…no individual is excluded from the common good”. Common good is also a term understood in the wider market as working together to achieve the best result possible for everyone.
Please see below for some of the more commonly asked questions, if you need more information please call or email us.
- How do I contact you?
Please email [email protected] or call 07 9496530.
- Where are you located?
Our office is at the Diocesan Centre, 51 Grey St, Hamilton East. For more information please call 07 949 6530.
- What services do you offer?
We provide financial grants to organisations and parishes in the Hamilton Catholic Diocese geographical area.
- Are you a religious organisation?
The Common Good Foundation is based on Catholic values. However, we are here to support anyone in our community; grants are not funded based on religion.