#275 ‘Making Philanthropy More Human’, Kirsten Kilian-Taylor, Perpetual Guardian

Welcoming Kirsten Kilian-Taylor, Head of Philanthropy at Perpetual Guardian, to Purposely Podcast. Kirsten oversees more than $40 million in grants each year, working with hundreds of donors and charities to help drive meaningful change across Aotearoa. Her role is all about careful stewardship, not just managing funds, but making sure legacies, some over a century old, are still supporting real needs today.

Philanthropy can be daunting when so many people and organisations need support. Kirsten says the key is to stay true to what donors care about while making sure their giving works in today's world. “Our mission is wrapped around stewardship,” she explains. Perpetual Guardian started with wills and estates, but now it works with people who want to give while they’re still here to see the difference it makes.Kirsten encourages people to start giving while they're still able to experience the impact firsthand. “Nine times out of ten, people already have a passion they want to support,” she says. Her role is to help that spark grow, whether it’s through scholarships, community projects, or less visible support like covering transport or uniforms to remove practical barriers.

Perpetual Guardian’s sustainability is built on careful investment of capital funds, with grants powered by income. The organisation has shifted from solely managing funds to providing broader philanthropic advice, using sector insights, networks, and technology to make giving more effective. “We handle the compliance and administration so our donors can focus on what matters to them,” Kirsten says.

In 2020, Perpetual Guardian brought Givealittle under its wing, a move Kirsten describes as a natural fit. The platform has so far generated more than $300 million in crowdfunding for causes across New Zealand. “Givealittle provides an entry point to generosity,” she says. “Anyone can give directly to a cause that speaks to them, and that’s powerful.”

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Kirsten highlights the increasing pressure facing charities: rising demand for services, more competition for funding, and a government funding model that hasn’t kept pace. “We’ve seen application numbers double in some areas while funding stays the same,” she notes. Her advice for organisations seeking funding: stay true to your mission, build strong governance, and be adaptable.

Kirsten also points to a shift in philanthropy—toward supporting capacity-building and operational needs, not just projects. Funders are moving cautiously, but there’s growing recognition that organisations need support to thrive long-term.

Her personal journey into philanthropy started in Gisborne, shaped by community values and a formative student exchange in the Canadian Arctic. Now based in Wellington, she sees her role as creating space for people to connect with causes that matter. “My job is to make people feel comfortable pursuing their philanthropic goals,” she says. “I’m a connector at heart.”

As philanthropy continues to evolve—driven by changing values, emerging generations of donors, and increasing interest from corporates, Kirsten stresses the need for authenticity. “If corporates want to offer philanthropic services, they need to back it up with real engagement—not just a PR strategy.”

Kirsten sees huge potential in New Zealand’s philanthropic landscape: a mix of deep generosity and a small, agile system. “We’re small enough to test new ideas and see results quickly,” she says. She also calls for stronger collaboration between government and philanthropy to address big issues like health, housing, and education.

A big thank you to episode sponsors Benevity and Trust Investments