About the Common Good Foundation

The Common Good Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that is part of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton. We aim to bridge the gap between those who can give and those most in need. Our grants programme hopes to empower smaller organisations that create a profound impact in their communities.

What do we do?

As a funding distribution charity, we serve as a vital link connecting generous donors with those in greatest need. Our annual appeal is called Caring Sunday and is held in July. All profits from fundraising efforts go directly back into our community through our annual grants programme that runs from September - November.

See more about our grants programme

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Our History

Founded in 1982 by the first Bishop of Hamilton, Bishop Edward Gaines, the Foundation embodies Catholic Care in Action, striving to love God and our neighbours through our deeds. In 2015 we began a journey to strategically strengthen the organisation’s purpose and increase the impact on our community. This led to an update to the name of our Foundation in 2018. Catholic Care Foundation became the Common Good Foundation.

Why the Common Good?

The name 'Common Good Foundation' reflects the core of Catholic social teaching: the 'Common Good.' This concept, along with human dignity and solidarity, is central to our mission. As Pope St. John XXIII stated in Gaudium et Spes, the common good is 'the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or individuals, to reach their fulfilment more fully and more easily.' This principle encompasses many elements, belongs to everyone, and cannot be reduced to just the greatest good for the majority.

Think about what helps a child thrive, and you'll start to see these elements more clearly. In our beautiful, diverse, and interconnected world, we are all called to work towards what is most precious. We must strive for the common good, to enhance and protect it for future generations. Through our efforts, we make the common good a greater reality in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This is why the Common Good Foundation supports numerous initiatives dedicated to restoring, uniting, and strengthening families—the building blocks of strong and resilient communities. Join us by supporting through regular donations, through the purchase of a candle, or consider contacting us to discuss leaving the gift of a legacy to the Common Good Foundation.

Looking back: partnering with local farmers for donations made via calf sales

Looking back: A golf tournament to raise funds for CGF

Looking back: serving meals during Covid

Cyclone Gabrielle Special Appeal

Attending the Hamilton Prayer Breakfast

Board Member KM Adams visiting Downlights factory

Supporting local groups providing food for those in need

Opening of Kake Oranga Hāhi Katorika (Catholic Family Support Services)

A word from our Bishop...

The Common Good Foundation supports the grassroots organisations that serve those in our community who need the very basics of life – food, shelter and clothing – and to ensure children are given a strong foundation for the future. In this Jubilee Year of Hope the theme "Pilgrims of Hope" comes from St Paul's Romans 5:5, "Hope does not disappoint." This reflects the Pope's desire to foster a greater sense of global unity, solidarity with the poor, welcome of those displaced by oppression, especially our Eastern Christian family. I endorse the work of the Common Good Foundation as a participation in this mission. Their work through the Caring Sunday Appeal, the Grants Programme, and the sale of their Hope Candle make an enormous difference to the lives of so many.

✠ Richard Laurenson, Bishop of Hamilton, NZ