The organisers of the Albury to Wodonga event approached the community philanthropic foundation in October to seek help with governance.

City2City chairwoman Michelle Hudson said with 3500 entrants registered for the inaugural run-walk it was clear some help was needed.

“The first event got an overwhelming community response and we could see potential for it to grow as a community flagship in years to come,” Ms Hudson said.

“It was a logical choice to go to Border Trust which is Albury-Wodonga's community foundation and community philanthropic organisation.”

Border Trust chairman Michael Salter said it was the first time his organisation had been involved in an event which was not its own.

“It's an opportunity for the trust to partner with a great event and we see that there is huge scope to become a future fundraiser for the local community,” Mr Salter said.

“It fits with the trust's purpose in that it's all about community and support organisations that do so much work in the local area.”

The City2City committee had operated under Albury Wodonga Health’s volunteer program.

Under the new set-up, the funds for the City2City will be separate from the Border Trust's general finances.