General Information and Application Criteria

How to Apply

Applying for a donation is a two stage process:

Download and read the Application Criteria.

Application Criteria (PDF 85KB)

Download, fillout and send the Application Form.

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General Information

In most instances there are no closing dates. You may apply at any time.
In 2010, very large donations i.e. over $100,000 will be considered twice. Firstly in May with a closing date of 31 March 2010 and secondly in November with a closing date of 30 September 2010.
Applications are not acknowledged upon receipt. The outcome will be given to you in writing. It usually takes about 6-8 weeks to process applications.
The Trust frequently seeks additional information from you by letter, phone or a meeting.
The Trust donations are considered to be unconditional gifts, therefore in our opinion no GST is payable on any donation received.
Trust donations should be acknowledged as a separate item in your organisation's Annual Accounts.
The Trust has the right to publicise any donation it makes.
The donation should be spent within 12 months of its receipt and for the purposes described in the application, otherwise it becomes repayable. However, the Trust will consider any submission the applicant may wish to make seeking an extension of time or for the funds to be spent in a manner different to that indicated in the original application.
Any donation offered to an organisation is not usually paid out until the Trust is satisfied that the balance of funding is to hand so that the project can be satisfactorily completed.
Subsequent to an applicant receiving a donation the Trust may request an accountability report. This could be an onsite visit or a request for a written report.

Application Criteria

Donations to assist projects which provide services or amenities for the benefit or enjoyment of the public and contribute to community well being will be considered.
In general, the Trust will not fully fund projects.

Donation Categories

EDUCATION Including support of school and tertiary projects.
HEALTH AND COMMUNITY WELFARE Including care of infants, children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, health and medical services, victims of abuse and violence, and community amenities.
SPORT AND RECREATION Including leisure activities, hobbies and pastimes. If you are a Regional Sporting Body, please telephone the Community Trust for futher information, 0800 101 240.
ART AND CULTURE Including performing and visual arts.
HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT Including historic preservations, flora and fauna.
SPECIAL EVENTS Including celebrations and festivals.

Who is Eligible

The Trust will distribute money to any organisation whether it is incorporated or not, but the organisation must not be run for private profit. In general an organisation will be:

An incorporated society.
A registered charitable trust.
A limited liability company fully owned by one of the above and operating for charitable purposes.
An unincorporated body which although not formally constituted is controlled by an association of persons and produces annual accounts. These groups can apply for a donation up to $1,000.

Note: It is important that the Trust is aware of the tax status of all the above types of organisations which apply for a donation. See details on the application form.

Who is NOT Eligible

The Trust will NOT generally make donations to or for:

Individuals
Commercial organisations
Sponsorships
Travel to conferences, seminars, reunions etc.
Mainstream salaries, rents or similar overhead costs.
Endowments.
Political parties or lobby groups.
Projects which the Trustees consider to be the responsibility of local or central government.
Projects intended to repay debt.
Projects in retrospect.

Applicants need to demonstrate:

A realistic and viable project that meets a genuine need.
Evidence of other fundraising activities.
The level of community support for the project and approximately how many people will benefit directly.
An ability to make the project happen.

The Trustees expect that a donation would establish, maintain or initiate a valuable programme, complete a worthwhile project and/or help to secure something which ultimately benefits part or all of the community.