Philanthropic funds and supporting foundations often form the centrepiece of a tax-wise charitable plan for investors. However, the concept of giving is not always so popular during uncertain economic times.

But that hasn’t stopped the University of Canterbury, which recently launched this country's first philanthropic bond issue, offering a range of different options for investors.

The bond offer was fully subscribed, raising $50 million, and the securities were today listed on the NZX debt market.