Frequently Asked Questions

• Do we need to provide audited statements?
  You must provide audited financial statements where your constitution requires theses financial statements to be audited. Otherwise, the Trust may consider limited reviews or in certain circumstances no audit or review. This will be decided on a case by case basis and should be discussed with the rust’s staff prior to submitting your application.
• Can I apply for mainstream salaries and general overheads?
  The Trust does not consider donations for mainstream salaries and overheads.
• Can I email my application?
  No, you need to mail the completed application and all supporting documents. We are working on an online application process for 2012.
• How often can I apply?
  Organisations can only receive one donation in the year running from 1 April to 31 March. If your application is declined during the year please feel free to apply again.
• What if I don’t understand some of the questions in the Application form?
  You can contact the Trust’s staff at any time to ask questions to help you complete the application form.
• Who can apply?
  Any incorporated or non-incorporated not for profit body can apply for a donation. In general this means an organisation will be:
  An incorporated society
  A charitable trust
  A limited liability company fully owned by one of the above and operating for charitable purposes
  A non-legal (non-incorporated) entity which may apply for a donation of up to $1,000
  State funded education provider
• What are the Trust’s priorities?
  The Trust supports projects that provide one or more of the following for the Otago community:
  services for those who may have been denied a quality of life enjoyed by the majority;
  services or amenities for the benefit or enjoyment of the public and contribute to community well-being;
  time and resources to helping with social problems;
  present a opportunity for a significant section of the community.
• The Trust will not provide donations for:
  Projects which the Trustees consider to be the responsibility of local or central government.
  Retrospective projects.
  Refinancing debt.
  Overheads, salaries and wages.
  Travel to conferences or seminars
  Reunions
  Endowments
• When should I apply?
  While applications will be accepted at any time, organisations can only receive one donation during the Trust’s financial year which ends on 31 March.  If you are unsuccessful with an application you may apply again during that year.
• How do I apply?
  Applications should always be submitted on the Trust’s application form. Additional information in support of the application may be attached.
• How is my application assessed?|
  Once received, staff at the Trust will check your application and make sure all of the required information is supplied. We often seek additional information from you by letter, phone or a meeting. A final application is then presented to the Trustees for a decision. You are also welcome to contact us at any time to check on the progress of your application.   
• When will I hear from you?
  We do not write and tell you we have received your application but we may contact you to discuss your application before it is presented to the Trustees.  You will usually receive formal written notification of the Trustee’s decision on your application two to three months after you apply. This will outline any conditions we require you to fulfil before receiving the donation.
• If I am successful when can we have the donation?
  Donations are 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.   When received, the donation should be spent within 12 months for the purpose set out in the application, or as directed by the Trust, otherwise the donation becomes repayable.  The Trust will consider any submission for an extension of time or for the funds to be spent in a manner different to that indicated in the original application.
• If successful will we need to pay GST?
  We believe our donations are not subject to GST.  If in doubt you should seek professional advice.
• Do I need to report back on progress?
  You may be asked to complete an accountability report in relation to the donation received. This may be by way of an on-site visit or a written report.
• How do I acknowledge the Trust?
  We would appreciate being acknowledged as a supporter of your project via the media, use of our logo on Programs and use of our signage at events. A how to guide on acknowledgments as well as copies of our logos is available on our web site. The Trust is required to publish all donations and will make these available in our Annual report and through our web site.  We may also highlight your project through our regular media coverage.