Reserve Accumulation Report

Tracking charity financial reserves and identifying potential hoarding

Why reserves matter: Operating charities should maintain reasonable financial reserves (typically 3-12 months of expenses) to weather unexpected challenges. However, excessive reserves (>18 months) may indicate that donor funds are being hoarded rather than used for charitable purposes.
About Endowment Foundations: This report includes 6 endowment foundations (e.g., Barnardos NZ Foundation, Cawthron Foundation). These entities are designed to hold large reserves permanently - their purpose is to invest capital and distribute only the income. High reserves are expected and appropriate for these organisations.
Charities Analyzed
788
With reserve data
Excessive Reserves
480
>18 months of expenses
Avg Reserve Level
7024.2
months of expenses
Total Reserves Held
$11.8B
across all charities

Reserve Levels by Sector

International Aid
28426.3
months avg
Religion
20652.1
months avg
Education
18098.4
months avg
Animal Welfare
14944.4
months avg
Environment
2952.0
months avg
Social Services
1133.0
months avg
Sports & Recreation
712.6
months avg
Community Development
355.0
months avg
Health
229.0
months avg
Other
221.9
months avg
Research
132.9
months avg
Arts & Culture
58.9
months avg
Māori Development
49.0
months avg
1553436.9
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C
1256636.5
months
EducationThamesGrade B-
897168.0
months
ReligionPalmerston NorthGrade C+
444317.6
months
ReligionHamiltonGrade C
307789.2
months
EducationTurangiGrade C
250289.3
months
International AidFeildingGrade C
124329.3
months
Animal WelfareGisborneGrade B-
94328.9
months
ReligionGisborneGrade C+
69347.8
months
ReligionGrade C
39727.1
months
Animal WelfareAucklandGrade B-
38381.7
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade C+
30567.9
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade C+
28539.4
months
EnvironmentHastingsGrade C+
20271.9
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
15545.2
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade C
14313.9
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade B-
12773.8
months
OtherWellingtonGrade C
11291.9
months
Social ServicesWellingtonGrade C+
10901.6
months
ReligionTe ArohaGrade C+
9148.5
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B-
8943.4
months
Sports & RecreationAlexandraGrade C
7813.1
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade C
7334.1
months
EnvironmentChristchurchGrade D
6965.4
months
EnvironmentRotoruaGrade B-
6341.6
months
OtherAucklandGrade C
6196.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade C
5834.6
months
EnvironmentUrenuiGrade B-
5336.4
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B-
5082.6
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B-
4786.8
months
Animal WelfareWellingtonGrade C+
4453.3
months
EnvironmentRichmondGrade B-
4167.2
months
EnvironmentHamiltonGrade B-
3960.1
months
EnvironmentTimaruGrade C-
3835.1
months
OtherWellingtonGrade C+
3691.9
months
EducationWellingtonGrade F
3671.8
months
EducationChristchurchGrade B-
3645.4
months
OtherNelsonGrade B-
3578.2
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade C
3444.9
months
EnvironmentHāweraGrade B-
3222.8
months
Animal WelfareWellingtonGrade C+
3215.8
months
EducationAucklandGrade C+
2925.7
months
Community DevelopmentNew PlymouthGrade F
2910.1
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade C+
2868.0
months
Animal WelfareHamiltonGrade B-
2862.4
months
ReligionTaurangaGrade C+
2794.6
months
EducationAucklandGrade C
2764.0
months
International AidWhanganuiGrade F
2626.9
months
OtherQueenstownGrade B-
2569.0
months
OtherWhanganuiGrade C-
2448.2
months
Community DevelopmentWellingtonGrade B-
2439.2
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade C+
2184.6
months
HealthAucklandGrade B-
2145.1
months
OtherPalmerstonGrade C-
2119.8
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C
2065.3
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C+
2035.6
months
ReligionAucklandGrade F
2001.1
months
EducationLevin Grade B-
1944.0
months
Koata LimitedExcessive
OtherNelsonGrade C
1940.2
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C
1855.4
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
1766.4
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B-
1748.2
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade C+
1713.1
months
EnvironmentWanganuiGrade B-
1693.6
months
EducationAucklandGrade C+
1690.9
months
Animal WelfareWellingtonGrade C+
1667.2
months
EnvironmentNew PlymouthGrade B-
1647.8
months
OtherHastingsGrade C-
1644.6
months
EducationHastingsGrade C
1607.5
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade B-
1603.1
months
1556.5
months
Community DevelopmentWaimaukuGrade C-
1539.5
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C-
1525.2
months
Community DevelopmentWellingtonGrade B-
1501.6
months
EnvironmentWellingtonGrade C
1480.9
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
1470.0
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B-
1411.8
months
OtherAucklandGrade F
1411.6
months
OtherWellingtonGrade F
1399.9
months
ReligionHamiltonGrade B-
1348.2
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade C+
1326.0
months
ReligionTaurangaGrade C
1268.2
months
International AidChristchurchGrade C
1212.8
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C
1157.4
months
Social ServicesHamiltonGrade D
1132.9
months
OtherHastingsGrade C
1119.9
months
ReligionWhangaparaoaGrade B-
1113.1
months
OtherWellingtonGrade D
1091.4
months
Animal WelfareWellingtonGrade B-
1029.1
months
International AidWellingtonGrade B-
990.2
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade F
941.0
months
OtherChristchurchGrade C
921.9
months
EducationAucklandGrade D
911.4
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade B-
884.5
months
OtherWellingtonGrade A-
852.6
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade F
825.1
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C+
813.9
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade D
805.3
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
798.7
months
ReligionRaglanGrade D
786.3
months
Social ServicesChristchurchGrade C-
769.7
months
756.7
months
Animal WelfareNew PlymouthGrade C+
750.2
months
EducationTaurangaGrade D
745.6
months
EducationChristchurchGrade C+
744.1
months
Social ServicesMount MaunganuiGrade D
699.2
months
Social ServicesChristchurchGrade C+
693.8
months
ReligionRotoruaGrade C+
683.0
months
EducationAucklandGrade C+
641.7
months
OtherRotoruaGrade C+
641.4
months
HealthWhakataneGrade C
608.7
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
604.7
months
Social ServicesWellingtonGrade B-
602.3
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C
592.5
months
EducationLower HuttGrade C
581.3
months
Social ServicesWellingtonGrade C+
581.1
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade C+
567.7
months
OtherGrade C-
566.1
months
560.6
months
Sports & RecreationAucklandGrade B-
549.3
months
HealthPalmerston NorthGrade F
543.5
months
ReligionDruryGrade F
522.9
months
OtherNapierGrade D
496.0
months
Social ServicesPaeroaGrade B-
495.5
months
EducationInvercargillGrade C
481.3
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B-
481.1
months
Social ServicesDunedinGrade C-
478.8
months
Community DevelopmentWellingtonGrade C+
478.1
months
Animal WelfareChristchurchGrade C+
445.7
months
EducationTaurangaGrade C
443.0
months
EnvironmentNelsonGrade F
433.7
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B+
423.3
months
EducationHamiltonGrade C-
415.1
months
OtherGrade C+
413.8
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B+
407.8
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C-
395.6
months
OtherGrade C+
388.3
months
EducationAucklandGrade B-
388.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade B+
386.8
months
OtherGrade C-
385.9
months
Social ServicesPihaGrade C
384.6
months
Arts & CultureWellingtonGrade C+
375.7
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C
373.8
months
ReligionTaurangaGrade C
373.5
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade F
371.6
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B-
371.3
months
ReligionNelsonGrade B-
369.5
months
Social ServicesChristchurchGrade C-
364.7
months
OtherLevinGrade C-
352.5
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
346.7
months
OtherNgaruawahiaGrade B
341.9
months
OtherGrade C+
335.2
months
EnvironmentAuckland CBDGrade C+
331.8
months
Community DevelopmentTe AwamutuGrade D
329.9
months
ReligionMangawhaiGrade B-
325.6
months
OtherGrade D
323.1
months
306.3
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade B-
305.8
months
HealthTaurangaGrade C+
305.7
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade C-
294.0
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
293.2
months
Arts & CulturePalmerston NorthGrade C+
289.9
months
Social ServicesKaitaiaGrade C
289.1
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C-
286.6
months
EducationKamoGrade B-
286.3
months
ReligionAucklandGrade F
284.0
months
OtherGrade C+
282.9
months
EducationAucklandGrade B-
282.8
months
Community DevelopmentPaeroaGrade C+
282.4
months
EducationPoriruaGrade B-
280.4
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade B-
279.2
months
Social ServicesChristchurchGrade C-
274.3
months
OtherDunedinGrade B-
270.2
months
ReligionAucklandGrade D
264.6
months
OtherLower HuttGrade F
263.8
months
EducationWhakataneGrade F
263.7
months
OtherCanterburyGrade C-
259.9
months
OtherGrade C-
258.2
months
EducationDunedinGrade C+
257.4
months
EducationHamiltonGrade C+
248.0
months
ResearchWellingtonGrade C-
248.0
months
OtherGrade C-
241.0
months
237.1
months
OtherGrade D
234.7
months
Animal WelfareTaurangaGrade C+
230.9
months
OtherGrade C+
229.8
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B-
227.2
months
OtherGrade C-
226.9
months
ReligionAucklandGrade F
225.8
months
Community DevelopmentChristchurchGrade B-
223.9
months
OtherGrade C+
223.8
months
Community DevelopmentTaurangaGrade B-
222.9
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade F
221.4
months
Social ServicesRotoruaGrade C-
218.6
months
OtherTaurangaGrade C+
217.3
months
OtherAucklandGrade C+
213.5
months
OtherGrade B-
211.0
months
EducationAucklandGrade B-
208.9
months
Motatau MaraeExcessive
OtherGrade C-
204.7
months
OtherParaparaumuGrade B-
199.4
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C-
193.4
months
Sports & RecreationAucklandGrade B
193.1
months
OtherGrade C-
192.3
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
191.6
months
International AidTurangiGrade C+
191.0
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade C-
187.5
months
OtherNew PlymouthGrade F
187.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade C+
184.3
months
Community DevelopmentChristchurchGrade C+
183.3
months
ResearchAucklandGrade C-
181.6
months
EducationLower HuttGrade C+
177.9
months
Community DevelopmentWellingtonGrade C
172.7
months
EducationAucklandGrade C+
167.6
months
Social ServicesChristchurchGrade C-
165.1
months
Poutama TrustExcessive
OtherRotoruaGrade D
165.0
months
164.9
months
ReligionHastingsGrade D
163.3
months
EducationAucklandGrade D
161.4
months
OtherGrade C
161.3
months
OtherGrade C-
161.0
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade F
160.6
months
HealthHamiltonGrade F
156.5
months
STOP Excessive
OtherChristchurchGrade F
156.3
months
155.4
months
EducationRotoruaGrade F
155.2
months
EducationWellingtonGrade C
154.6
months
Arts & CultureChristchurchGrade B
154.4
months
152.9
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade D
150.8
months
International AidTe Rāpaki-O-Te RakiwhakaputaGrade F
150.0
months
OtherDunedinGrade C
149.3
months
OtherGrade F
149.2
months
ReligionLower HuttGrade F
147.1
months
EnvironmentWanganuiGrade C
144.7
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B+
144.5
months
143.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
142.4
months
EducationBalcluthaGrade C-
142.2
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
141.1
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade F
140.7
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade F
139.1
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade C+
138.2
months
Social ServicesGoreGrade C
137.4
months
ReligionDunedinGrade D
135.3
months
Animal WelfareAucklandGrade C
134.0
months
133.2
months
HealthHamiltonGrade C+
132.7
months
ReligionTaurangaGrade B-
128.3
months
International AidGoreGrade C
126.3
months
Community DevelopmentBlenheimGrade B-
126.3
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C
125.8
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C-
124.4
months
ResearchWellingtonGrade D
123.6
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C
121.3
months
116.6
months
115.5
months
OtherPalmerston NorthGrade F
114.4
months
ReligionAucklandGrade F
112.9
months
Community DevelopmentBlenheimGrade B-
110.4
months
109.9
months
EnvironmentOhakuneGrade F
109.5
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade C-
106.4
months
Social ServicesInvercargillGrade C+
105.2
months
EducationWhakataneGrade D
104.0
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
103.3
months
EnvironmentDiamond HarbourGrade F
102.8
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
101.2
months
EducationAucklandGrade C+
100.0
months
OtherGrade D
99.9
months
OtherAucklandGrade F
98.8
months
Community DevelopmentNelsonGrade C
98.6
months
97.7
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
97.2
months
Arts & CultureNelsonGrade B-
94.7
months
Arts & CultureNelsonGrade B-
94.5
months
OtherWellingtonGrade F
92.2
months
OtherWhakataneGrade C-
89.9
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
89.8
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade C
88.6
months
88.4
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
88.2
months
ReligionHamiltonGrade C-
87.1
months
HealthAucklandGrade D
86.8
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
86.1
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade F
86.1
months
85.6
months
Arts & CultureUpper HuttGrade C
83.3
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade F
82.7
months
Arts & CultureRotoruaGrade C+
82.5
months
OtherWellingtonGrade C-
81.3
months
Social ServicesTe KuitiGrade D
79.8
months
79.5
months
OtherGrade C+
79.1
months
EducationTe KaoGrade F
77.5
months
Sports & RecreationAucklandGrade C+
77.2
months
OtherWellingtonGrade C-
76.2
months
75.4
months
OtherDunedinGrade C-
73.9
months
OtherLower HuttGrade F
73.5
months
EducationRanfurlyGrade C-
71.4
months
ReligionRotoruaGrade C
69.4
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade C
69.4
months
OtherMastertonGrade C-
69.1
months
OtherPutaruruGrade C-
68.2
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade C
68.0
months
ReligionHaweraGrade C+
67.5
months
Social ServicesWellingtonGrade C-
66.6
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
66.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade F
65.1
months
64.1
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
63.9
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade F
62.0
months
Arts & CultureTimaruGrade C
61.5
months
HealthAucklandGrade B-
61.3
months
OtherGrade C+
60.6
months
60.2
months
HealthPapakuraGrade B-
59.5
months
59.3
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B+
59.3
months
EducationNelsonGrade F
58.6
months
Arts & CultureLower HuttGrade C+
58.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
58.0
months
57.5
months
ReligionBlenheimGrade F
57.3
months
EnvironmentAucklandGrade C+
55.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade C+
55.1
months
ReligionHamiltonGrade F
54.2
months
Social ServicesChristchurchGrade C-
53.6
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade C
52.2
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C-
51.7
months
WellStopExcessive
Social ServicesGrade F
50.9
months
HealthAucklandGrade B+
50.2
months
OtherGrade C-
50.1
months
EnvironmentAucklandGrade D
49.7
months
OtherChristchurchGrade C
49.7
months
ResearchWhangareiGrade C+
49.0
months
Māori DevelopmentAucklandGrade F
48.8
months
48.6
months
OtherChristchurchGrade C
48.1
months
EducationWellingtonGrade B-
48.0
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C
48.0
months
Mauao TrustExcessive
OtherTaurangaGrade B+
47.9
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade D
47.2
months
OtherThamesGrade D
46.7
months
OtherAucklandGrade D
46.5
months
Sports & RecreationAucklandGrade C+
45.8
months
44.8
months
ReligionDunedinGrade C
44.5
months
ReligionLevinGrade B-
44.2
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade D
43.8
months
43.4
months
Arts & CultureKawerauGrade B-
42.9
months
42.9
months
OtherWaikanaeGrade B+
42.8
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B+
42.7
months
OtherMartonGrade B+
42.7
months
Cure KidsExcessive
OtherAucklandGrade C-
40.9
months
OtherAucklandGrade D
40.7
months
OtherWellingtonGrade C+
40.6
months
Sport WaikatoExcessive
Community DevelopmentHamiltonGrade C-
40.6
months
OtherWaharoaGrade D
40.4
months
EducationAucklandGrade F
40.0
months
EducationAucklandGrade B-
39.9
months
Community DevelopmentWellingtonGrade B-
39.7
months
Family ActionExcessive
Social ServicesAucklandGrade C
39.5
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C+
39.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
39.3
months
OtherNgaruawahiaGrade B-
39.1
months
Sports & RecreationChristchurchGrade B
38.9
months
Arts & CultureTe KuitiGrade D
38.1
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade C-
37.7
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
36.9
months
OtherGrade D
36.5
months
36.2
months
35.8
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade F
35.7
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C
35.6
months
Social ServicesLower HuttGrade C-
34.9
months
34.7
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade B-
34.6
months
Sports & RecreationAucklandGrade C
34.6
months
ReligionHamiltonGrade D
34.6
months
OtherHamiltonGrade C
34.3
months
34.3
months
HealthAucklandGrade F
34.1
months
OtherWellingtonGrade F
33.6
months
EducationBlenheimGrade C+
32.9
months
OtherWellingtonGrade C
32.8
months
ReligionInvercargillGrade B+
32.5
months
Social ServicesHamiltonGrade F
32.4
months
Arts & CultureNapierGrade F
32.1
months
OtherWellingtonGrade F
31.8
months
Social ServicesWaitaraGrade C
31.8
months
OtherAucklandGrade C+
31.5
months
OtherAucklandGrade D
31.1
months
Arts & CultureChristchurchGrade D
31.1
months
Social ServicesBlenheimGrade B+
31.0
months
30.9
months
OtherDunedinGrade C+
30.4
months
EducationKaikoheGrade F
30.2
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade C
30.2
months
ReligionDobsonGrade C+
29.8
months
28.9
months
28.7
months
Te Ao HouExcessive
Social ServicesOpotikiGrade F
28.0
months
Community DevelopmentDunedinGrade F
27.7
months
26.4
months
EducationTimaruGrade C+
26.4
months
Arts & CultureDunedinGrade F
26.3
months
Grace TrustExcessive
EducationAucklandGrade B-
26.2
months
25.7
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B
25.6
months
HealthAucklandGrade B-
25.5
months
OtherAucklandGrade C
25.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade C
25.2
months
OtherGisborneGrade F
25.2
months
Sports & RecreationWellingtonGrade C-
25.1
months
EducationTaurangaGrade C+
24.9
months
Community DevelopmentChristchurchGrade B+
24.9
months
College HouseExcessive
Arts & CultureChristchurchGrade F
24.9
months
Te Puna TrustExcessive
OtherGrade C+
24.9
months
EducationAucklandGrade C+
24.8
months
Arise ChurchExcessive
ReligionLower HuttGrade D
24.6
months
OtherAucklandGrade C
24.2
months
EducationAucklandGrade D
24.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade F
23.9
months
23.7
months
ReligionNew PlymouthGrade F
23.7
months
23.3
months
Sports & RecreationWellingtonGrade C
22.9
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
22.5
months
OtherGrade C-
22.5
months
EducationCambridgeGrade C+
22.2
months
EducationAucklandGrade C-
22.1
months
OtherChristchurchGrade C
21.9
months
OtherWaitakere CityGrade C
21.6
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade F
21.5
months
Arts & CultureHamiltonGrade F
21.5
months
EducationBalcluthaGrade D
21.5
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade D
21.4
months
ReligionMount MaunganuiGrade B
21.2
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade B-
20.8
months
OtherLower HuttGrade D
20.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade C+
20.3
months
OtherChristchurchGrade C+
20.0
months
EducationAucklandGrade F
20.0
months
OtherHamiltonGrade C
20.0
months
OtherTaurangaGrade C
19.7
months
OtherWellingtonGrade D
19.7
months
OtherWellingtonGrade C-
19.7
months
HealthAucklandGrade C+
19.6
months
OtherHamiltonGrade C
19.5
months
19.4
months
OtherGrade F
19.4
months
19.4
months
OtherWellingtonGrade C
19.3
months
OtherGrade C+
19.3
months
ReligionRotoruaGrade F
19.2
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade D
18.9
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade F
18.9
months
OtherAucklandGrade C
18.8
months
OtherDunedinGrade B+
18.8
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C-
18.5
months
18.3
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade B-
18.0
months
OtherAucklandGrade C
18.0
months
17.8
months
EducationChristchurchGrade C+
17.8
months
OtherGrade B-
17.6
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B+
17.4
months
OtherPoriruaGrade B
17.4
months
OtherGrade D
17.3
months
OtherChristchurchGrade B+
17.2
months
OtherKaikoraGrade B-
17.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade C+
17.1
months
OtherHamiltonGrade B
17.1
months
OtherInvercargillGrade B-
16.9
months
OtherSydneyGrade B-
16.9
months
OtherHamiltonGrade C+
16.6
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C+
16.4
months
OtherNorthlandGrade B
16.1
months
OtherGrade B-
15.9
months
Community DevelopmentRangioraGrade B
15.9
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade B
15.8
months
Community DevelopmentTuatapereGrade C-
15.5
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade B-
15.3
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade B
15.1
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
14.8
months
EducationWellingtonGrade B+
14.8
months
OtherAucklandGrade B
14.6
months
Tuhono TrustComfortable
OtherHamiltonGrade B+
14.5
months
International AidGisborneGrade B-
14.5
months
14.4
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade B-
14.3
months
OtherTe KuitiGrade B-
14.2
months
EducationHastingsGrade B-
14.0
months
EducationAucklandGrade B-
13.9
months
OtherAucklandGrade B
13.5
months
Community DevelopmentPalmerston NorthGrade D
13.5
months
13.3
months
Sports & RecreationChristchurchGrade C-
13.2
months
EducationWhangareiGrade B-
13.1
months
ReligionNapierGrade D
12.5
months
OtherGrade B-
12.4
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade B
12.2
months
EducationGisborneGrade D
12.0
months
OtherWhangareiGrade B
11.9
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
11.8
months
EducationPapakuraGrade D
11.8
months
ReligionAucklandGrade D
11.7
months
OtherPapakuraGrade B+
11.6
months
EducationWellingtonGrade B-
11.6
months
Community DevelopmentChristchurchGrade C+
11.5
months
11.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
11.4
months
OtherGrade C+
11.3
months
OtherGrade C+
11.2
months
Animal WelfareHamiltonGrade C
11.1
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B+
11.0
months
11.0
months
OtherKaikoheGrade C+
10.5
months
OtherAucklandGrade B
10.4
months
Arts & CultureHamiltonGrade B-
10.4
months
EducationPalmerston NorthGrade C+
10.2
months
EducationPalmerston NorthGrade B+
10.2
months
Social ServicesWellingtonGrade C-
10.1
months
EducationMastertonGrade B
9.9
months
Arts & CultureAucklandGrade B
9.9
months
OtherHamiltonGrade B+
9.9
months
9.8
months
OtherAucklandGrade B
9.8
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
9.7
months
OtherGrade C+
9.5
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade C
9.4
months
9.3
months
Arts & CultureKaritaneGrade B-
9.1
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
9.1
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
9.1
months
OtherInvercargillGrade B
9.0
months
Social ServicesChristchurchGrade B+
9.0
months
8.9
months
OtherNelsonGrade B-
8.9
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
8.9
months
OtherChristchurchGrade B-
8.8
months
Sports & RecreationAucklandGrade B-
8.7
months
EnvironmentAucklandGrade C
8.5
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade B-
8.5
months
Kalia Healthy
EnvironmentBlenheimGrade B
8.4
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
8.4
months
OtherHamiltonGrade B
8.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade C
8.3
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade C+
8.3
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade B
8.3
months
OtherKaitaiaGrade C
8.1
months
Arts & CultureNew PlymouthGrade C+
8.0
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
8.0
months
8.0
months
ReligionLincolnGrade D
7.9
months
7.9
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
7.8
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B
7.8
months
OtherHamiltonGrade B
7.7
months
OtherGrade C
7.7
months
7.7
months
OtherGrade C
7.6
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B
7.6
months
OtherHamiltonGrade B
7.4
months
OtherWhanganuiGrade C
7.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
7.3
months
OtherGrade C
7.3
months
Arts & CultureAucklandGrade C
7.2
months
7.1
months
OtherAucklandGrade B+
7.1
months
EducationDunedinGrade B
7.0
months
EducationStratfordGrade B-
6.9
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
6.9
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade B-
6.8
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B-
6.8
months
OtherOtakouGrade B
6.8
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
6.7
months
ReligionTakaniniGrade C+
6.7
months
OtherChristchurchGrade B-
6.6
months
EducationWellingtonGrade C+
6.5
months
OtherCambridgeGrade B-
6.4
months
6.4
months
OtherGrade C
6.3
months
OtherPalmerston NorthGrade B
6.3
months
ReligionAucklandGrade B-
6.2
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
6.2
months
EducationTemukaGrade B
6.1
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
6.0
months
OtherTurangiGrade B
6.0
months
6.0
months
OtherWellingtonGrade D
6.0
months
OtherWanakaGrade C
5.9
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade D
5.9
months
OtherAucklandGrade B
5.8
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B+
5.7
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade C+
5.7
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade C+
5.6
months
EducationAucklandGrade C
5.6
months
OtherWellingtonGrade C
5.5
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B
5.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade C+
5.4
months
Sports & RecreationWellingtonGrade B-
5.3
months
OtherGrade C
5.3
months
5.3
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
5.3
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B
5.2
months
OtherLower HuttGrade B
5.1
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade F
5.1
months
5.1
months
5.1
months
Social ServicesHamiltonGrade F
5.0
months
OtherAucklandGrade B
5.0
months
OtherTe AwamutuGrade B
4.9
months
4.9
months
Community DevelopmentChristchurchGrade C+
4.9
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade B+
4.9
months
4.8
months
OtherHamiltonGrade B-
4.8
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C-
4.7
months
EducationHamiltonGrade C
4.6
months
OtherChristchurchGrade B-
4.6
months
Sports & RecreationChristchurchGrade C+
4.6
months
EducationDunedinGrade B-
4.5
months
HealthAucklandGrade C
4.5
months
4.5
months
4.5
months
4.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade B
4.4
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
4.4
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C
4.4
months
OtherPalmerston NorthGrade B+
4.3
months
Social ServicesWellingtonGrade A-
4.3
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
4.3
months
OtherLower HuttGrade B
4.3
months
OtherBlenheimGrade B-
4.3
months
OtherWhakataneGrade B-
4.2
months
4.1
months
EducationAucklandGrade F
4.1
months
Social ServicesAucklandGrade B
4.1
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
4.1
months
OtherAucklandGrade C+
4.0
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
3.9
months
Social ServicesThamesGrade D
3.9
months
Arts & CultureAucklandGrade C-
3.8
months
EducationAucklandGrade B
3.8
months
3.7
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
3.7
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C
3.7
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
3.6
months
HealthChristchurchGrade C
3.6
months
OtherGrade C
3.5
months
OtherDunedinGrade B+
3.5
months
Arts & CultureWestportGrade B-
3.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade C
3.4
months
EducationWestern AustraliaGrade C
3.2
months
EducationDunedinGrade B-
3.2
months
OtherClydeGrade B-
3.1
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
3.1
months
OtherChristchurchGrade B
3.1
months
OtherWellingtonGrade C+
3.1
months
Social ServicesDunedinGrade B
3.1
months
OtherTokomaru BayGrade B-
3.0
months
OtherGrade C
3.0
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade F
3.0
months
2.9
months
ReligionHamiltonGrade C+
2.9
months
2.9
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade C-
2.9
months
EducationAucklandGrade F
2.9
months
OtherAucklandGrade B
2.8
months
HealthChristchurchGrade C+
2.8
months
Arts & CultureChristchurchGrade C
2.8
months
OtherHastingsGrade B-
2.7
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C
2.7
months
2.7
months
OtherNew PlymouthGrade B-
2.6
months
ReligionPalmerston NorthGrade B-
2.6
months
OtherWanganuiGrade B
2.4
months
EducationWhangareiGrade F
2.4
months
OtherLower HuttGrade C+
2.3
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B-
2.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
2.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
2.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
2.2
months
ReligionTaurangaGrade B-
2.2
months
2.2
months
EducationGisborneGrade C
2.2
months
OtherChristchurchGrade B-
2.1
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
2.0
months
EducationDunedinGrade C-
1.9
months
1.9
months
OtherTaurangaGrade B-
1.9
months
OtherChristchurchGrade C-
1.9
months
ReligionRangioraGrade F
1.9
months
1.8
months
1.8
months
OtherDunedinGrade B-
1.7
months
OtherCentral OtagoGrade B-
1.7
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
1.7
months
1.7
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C+
1.7
months
OtherChristchurchGrade C-
1.6
months
1.5
months
ReligionHamiltonGrade F
1.5
months
OtherAucklandGrade C+
1.4
months
ReligionAucklandGrade C+
1.4
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade F
1.4
months
EducationWellingtonGrade C
1.4
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade F
1.4
months
EducationPalmerston NorthGrade C
1.4
months
OtherChristchurchGrade C+
1.3
months
OtherWellingtonGrade B+
1.3
months
EnvironmentTaurangaGrade C
1.2
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
1.2
months
OtherWellingtonGrade A
1.2
months
EducationAucklandGrade C-
1.1
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
1.1
months
1.1
months
1.0
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
1.0
months
ReligionChristchurchGrade C-
1.0
months
Arts & CultureAuckland Grade C
0.9
months
Community DevelopmentAucklandGrade C
0.9
months
Community DevelopmentRotoruaGrade C+
0.9
months
0.9
months
Arts & CultureChristchurchGrade C
0.9
months
EducationPalmerston NorthGrade F
0.9
months
Social ServicesChristchurchGrade F
0.9
months
EducationChristchurchGrade F
0.9
months
EnvironmentWhangareiGrade F
0.8
months
International AidOpononiGrade F
0.8
months
EnvironmentHamiltonGrade C
0.8
months
0.8
months
ReligionWellingtonGrade C
0.8
months
OtherAucklandGrade C+
0.7
months
OtherWellingtonGrade D
0.7
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
0.6
months
OtherAucklandGrade C-
0.6
months
ReligionHamiltonGrade C+
0.6
months
EducationChristchurchGrade F
0.5
months
OtherWhangareiGrade C+
0.5
months
ResearchDunedinGrade C
0.4
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
0.4
months
Sports & RecreationTaurangaGrade F
0.4
months
OtherMount MaunganuiGrade B+
0.4
months
0.3
months
OtherAucklandGrade B-
0.3
months
Arts & CultureDunedinGrade C
0.3
months
EnvironmentAucklandGrade F
0.3
months
ReligionTaurangaGrade C+
0.2
months
OtherTaupōGrade B
0.2
months
OtherDunedinGrade B
0.2
months
HealthWellingtonGrade F
0.1
months
OtherHastingsGrade B-
0.1
months
EducationDunedinGrade C-
0.1
months
EducationLower HuttGrade B-
0.1
months
EducationAucklandGrade C-

Understanding Reserve Levels

Reserve Categories

  • Excessive (>24 months): Significantly above best practices
  • High (18-24 months): May warrant scrutiny
  • Comfortable (12-18 months): Upper end of healthy range
  • Healthy (6-12 months): Best practice range
  • Low (<6 months): May indicate vulnerability

Why Excessive Reserves Are Problematic

  • Donor funds not being used for charitable purpose
  • Opportunity cost - funds could help beneficiaries now
  • May indicate governance issues or mission drift
  • Reduces transparency about actual operational needs
  • Can mask inefficiencies in fundraising or operations

Exception: Endowment Foundations

Endowment foundations (marked with an "Endowment" badge) are a special case. Their purpose is to hold capital permanently and distribute only the investment income to support charitable causes. High reserves are expected and appropriate for these organisations.