'From Successful Business Owner and Coach To Philanthropy Leader', Richard Spackman
- purposelypodcast
- Dec 1, 2024
- 2 min read
Introducing Richard Spackman, the CEO of the Aoraki Foundation, who recently shared his journey and the foundation’s mission on Purposely Podcast.
Richard grew up in an entrepreneurial environment, with his parents managing various businesses, from service stations to ostrich farming. This upbringing instilled in him a strong understanding of business and a passion for innovation. Richard has demonstrated his leadership and entrepreneurial skills both in his business ventures and in his philanthropic endeavours, where he now strives to deliver greater impact through the foundation.
The Aoraki Foundation is one of 18 Community Foundations in New Zealand. Their main goal is to provide “a simple and lasting way for people to support charitable causes in the South Canterbury Community,” Richard explains. The foundation’s model of smarter giving ensures that every donation has a significant impact now and in the future.
The foundation manages over 20 separate endowment funds, including the South Canterbury Health Endowment Fund, Miller General Impact Fund, and Fraser Ross Environmental Fund. These funds support numerous community groups and charities, addressing various needs within South Canterbury. Donors can make one-time contributions or leave gifts in their will.
Richard proudly shares the foundation’s role in major fundraising efforts, such as those for the CBay Aquatic Centre and the MRI Scanner. With guidance from dedicated volunteer trustees, the Aoraki Foundation is committed to strengthening the district.
Richard’s path to the Aoraki Foundation leadership began in 2012 when he moved from Christchurch to manage a business. His family fell in love with South Canterbury, and after traveling New Zealand and the Cook Islands in 2020, they decided to focus on community engagement upon their return.
Richard’s natural ability to connect with people and his belief in the power of giving make him a perfect fit for the foundation. Balancing his role with coaching local businesses and spending time with his family, Richard also enjoys sports, often attending rugby and cricket matches or cycling through Timaru’s beautiful rural landscapes.
Aiming to distribute $1 million annually by 2030 and manage $30 million in assets, Richard emphasises the role of community foundations in fostering local philanthropy and the importance of storytelling to engage donors. His background in business and coaching informs his leadership, focusing on growth and sustainability. He highlights the Eric and Queenie Miller fund, a significant legacy supporting local transport businesses, and his vision for the foundation to become a major community asset by 2050.
Richard’s story is one of dedication, community spirit, and a relentless pursuit of meaningful impact. His interview on Purposely Podcast offers valuable insights into the power of community foundations and the incredible potential they hold for positive change.
I like this inspiring journey from business success to philanthropy and meaningful community impact. Stories like these remind us that leadership extends beyond commercial achievement. Many professionals also benefit from the highly regarded business strategy course & workshop for managers in Wellington, New Zealand, helping them build sustainable organizations with long-term vision and purpose.
Really inspiring journey from Richard—shifting from business ownership to philanthropy leadership takes a whole different mindset and set of skills. What stands out to me is how the strategic thinking that drives commercial success doesn't always translate directly into the nonprofit space. It requires a deeper understanding of stakeholder dynamics, long-term impact measurement, and mission-driven decision-making. We saw similar transitions within our own networks and realised that structured leadership development made the difference in helping leaders navigate that shift effectively. A significant business strategy seminar & course for executives in Wellington, New Zealand provided the frameworks our teams needed to balance purpose with practical execution.
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