'Venture Philanthropy Fund To Improve Outcomes For The Next Generation'

Izzy Horrocks joins Mark Longbottom on the Purposely Podcast to discuss the Aotearoa Lifecourse Fund, a new charitable foundation she has co-founded with Jimmy McLaughlan.

The fund aims to find, fund, and scale evidence-based programmes that help children and young people develop essential lifecourse skills.

Over the next five years, the foundation plans to invest $10 million, raised from individuals, foundations, and businesses that share their belief in the importance of life skills for young people. While they are still in the early stages of fundraising, they have already secured a lead investor committed to making a difference.

The fund will act as a grant-maker, supporting charities and organisations working with children and young people. It follows a venture philanthropy model, combining funding with hands-on support for social enterprises and charities.

Izzy’s experience spans both delivering and funding programs that create social and economic impact. Her perspective was shaped early on by time in Ethiopia and Kenya, where she witnessed the power of local trust and community-led initiatives. This continues to influence her work in New Zealand, where strong partnerships with local charities and leaders are at the heart of the fund’s mission.

While Izzy and her team draw inspiration from global initiatives, she emphasises that the new foundation will be deeply rooted in New Zealand’s unique bicultural identity. Integrating both Pākehā and Te Ao Māori—the Māori worldview and its practices—will be central to their approach, shaping how they engage, support founders, and drive meaningful change.

With $5 million already secured and discussions ongoing with potential donors, the fund is progressing towards its target.

Izzy’s message to potential supporters is simple: by investing in effective programmes, the Aotearoa Lifecourse Fund will give New Zealand’s next generation the opportunities they need to succeed.