PUBLISHED SEPTEMBER 2026
The Fabulous Ladies Giving Circle shows philanthropy is open to everyone
The Fabulous Ladies Giving Circle began in 2013, following conversations between colleagues at the University of Auckland Business School, including Amanda Stanes and Deborah Levy. Amanda recalls their shared values and conviction.
“Our core beliefs are that education can alleviate poverty, and that drives us. We saw a growing need among students who struggled not only with course fees but also with the everyday costs of living while studying.”
The initial idea was simple: each person would give the equivalent of a few cups of coffee a week, Amanda explains.
”I know my $15 or $20 a fortnight is not going to do much. But when you add that with others giving the same amount, you can suddenly make a big difference.”
This philosophy of the ‘power of many ones’ became central to their approach. And the impact is profound. Three talented students have had a hand up, past the barriers they faced, to have their lives and futures transformed, thanks to the Fabulous Ladies. Sala was able to study Global Studies, Ayushi is pursuing a career in health with Biomedical Science, and Shafiah is on her way to earn a degree in Law.
Sala, Ayushi and Shafiah’s lives are transformed by this group of generous women with a shared goal.
Scholarships help families see a brighter, long-term future
A common misconception is that university is easily affordable through student loans and fees-free schemes. Amanda offers a stark reality check.
“An academic student loan is debt. For students from financially stressed backgrounds, it’s a significant burden. Sometimes, it can be the only thing they take to their banks, unlike their wealthier peers. The end of the ‘fees free’ year is a further deterrent for those who must choose between growing a debt or earning to help their families.”
“When you are stressed out financially, you’re looking for the immediate solution,” Amanda says. Some of these families would be lucky if they could look ahead a couple of weeks. They’re probably only looking as far ahead as their next pay packet.
“Scholarships provide the breathing room for students and their whānau to invest in a future with significantly higher earning potential.”
Amanda highlights the complex household situations many students face, where an income that sounds reasonable on paper is stretched thin supporting an extended family.
“You might have somebody whose household income is $100,000. But then you find out, they have grandparents living at home and younger children. There may be just two working adults, each holding down two or three jobs to bring in that amount of money.”
They share a belief in the power of education
As the Giving Circle evolved, they sought a partner with established systems and a proven track record. First Foundation was a natural fit.
“We were looking for charities that could demonstrate impact, were sustainable, and had a mission which aligns with ours,” says founding member Deborah Levy. Amanda adds,
“We give to the First Foundation because of its proven and well-refined processes. You want to find a vehicle you can trust, and that already has the systems in place. Otherwise, you’re trying to create something yourself, which is incredibly difficult and slow.”
First Foundation’s hand-up approach goes beyond monetary support. It builds on the pillars of financial aid, dedicated mentoring, and exposure to the world of work. This holistic model resonated deeply with the Fabulous Ladies who have a deep understanding of what it means to succeed in education. Amanda’s experience with the Keystone Trust gives her additional insight.
“Grit and perseverance get you a long way, but actually you need a lot more as well. You need discipline and someone to stand alongside you”.
The Ladies appreciate that First Foundation understands the importance of wrap-around support.
Drive and realism are essential
The Fabulous Ladies have always looked for more than ambition when selecting a student to support through First Foundation. They value students who understand the steps needed to achieve their goals. Amanda gives an example of the process used to choose their current scholar, Ayushi Sharma.
“There was just something about her articulation of what she wanted to do. There was more realism around it”.
“We were looking for someone who’s real about what their pathway could be,” Amanda elaborates. “She’s got an open, curious mind and that’s what we’re looking for. She has the academic nous, but she’s also been asking herself, ‘if I want to enter university, what’s my gap analysis?’ She thought about what she needed to study to get where she wanted to go; you could see some forward thinking and planning”.
Ayushi Sharma, 2024 Fabulous Ladies Giving Scholar
The sibling effect amplifies impact
The impact extends beyond the individual scholar. Ayushi’s inspiration for her younger sister was particularly compelling, says Amanda.
“When I met them at the awards evening, it was just delicious. Ushi’s little sister idolises her, and you know she’ll aspire to follow in her footsteps. That’s the power of the sibling effect. Instead of aspiring to be something you can’t see, younger siblings can think, ‘if you can do it, then I can too’.”
This ripple effect empowers families over generations and is embedded in First Foundation’s programme.
Shared values helped grow the Circle’s membership
The Fabulous Ladies Giving Circle grew to ten women from its initial three or four members. They came together through shared connections, often with the University of Auckland. “It really comes down to a common belief in the power of education.”
Over the years, their collective small contributions have amounted to tens of thousands of dollars, supporting various initiatives, including three First Foundation scholarships and university student advocacy funds.
“For each of us, it’s the price of a few cups of coffee, and once the payment is set up, it just keeps going, and you forget about it.”
The long-term impact is profound. Amanda sees their giving changing the trajectory of people’s lives.
“The more educated you are, hopefully the better decisions you’re going to make about your health. Maybe morbidity levels are going to fall, maybe health issues are going to drop because they’re going to be eating better. It all contributes to a more equitable and thriving New Zealand.”
The esteem boost for scholarship recipients is also immense. “Suddenly someone’s got their back,” Amanda says. “It’s like these kids see that someone in the bigger system actually cares. That external validation gives them a confidence boost. Eventually, this will grow into real self-belief.”
The power of belief is evident when the Ladies first scholar, Sala Agalava talks about her journey.
“Being a First Foundation Scholar has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. The support I’ve received through the Fabulous Ladies’ Giving Circle is not lost on me — it has been a reminder that I am not walking this path alone.
Sala Agalava, Fabulous Ladies Scholar
“I am deeply grateful to Deborah Levy, Amanda Stanes and each of the Fabulous Ladies for backing the dreams of a girl all the way from the big island of Savai’i. From the financial assistance to the regular check-ins, their collective support has carried me through to the completion of my degree. For that I say, fa’afetai tele lava.”
Sala Agalava celebrates the completion of her scholarship with her proud parents in 2026
Together, our small actions create big impacts
Amanda encourages everyone to realise that joining together makes impactful philanthropy accessible to all.
The Fabulous Ladies Giving Circle proves the point. “You can join purpose, great company, shared values, a glass of wine and some cake. And the result is that we can affect real change – it’s impact we couldn’t have had alone.”
“Philanthropy isn’t reserved for the wealthy. It’s about shared vision and collective action.” Although there are confronting levels of need in our communities, the Fab Ladies demonstrate that the ‘power of many ones’ can make a tangible difference.
First Foundation aims to accelerate the delivery of its next 1,000 scholarships, further closing the inequality gap and improving Aotearoa’s economic and social wellbeing. What small, consistent contribution could you and a few colleagues or friends make?
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