Making an Application
Am I eligible to apply?
Complete the questionaire below to find out if you're eligible to apply for a donation.
Do you represent a not for profit community organisation?
Y
N
The Trust will not consider donations to:
- Individuals
- Commercial organisations
- Political parties or lobby groups
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Is your organisation incorporated?
Y
N
The Trust will only consider a donation of a maximum of $1000 to an unincorporated society or group.
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Is my organisation or group based in Otago and its activities benefit the community in Otago?
Y
N
The Trust will only consider applications for organisations to organisations outside of our region which can show a significant benefit specifically for this region.
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Are you applying for wages or administrative costs?
Y
N
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Donations are made to assist projects, not to support core organisational costs such as wages or administration.
Are you applying for a project that has already started?
Y
N
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The Trust does not consider donations to projects in retrospect.
Have you raised money through fundraising, your own reserves and/or other funding bodies?
Y
N
The Trust is not a principle funder of projects and looks for financial support from other bodies as evidence of wider community support. You may not be ready to apply please contact the Trust for further information.
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Do you need to know within eight weeks?
Y
N
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The Trust usually takes at least two months to process an application and may not consider applications that need to be confirmed before this time.
Are you applying for a donation to re-finance debt, travel to conferences or seminars, a reunion or endowment?
Y
N
The Trust does not consider donations for these activities.
You can download an application form here.
Am I ready to apply?
Make sure you are ready to apply for a donation, things to consider include:
- You can demonstrate a clear need in the community for the project
- The project meets your organisational objectives and fits with your overall mission and vision.
- The project can be defined as a specific activity; you are not applying for general overheads.
- You know how much money is needed for the project and you are being realistic in your ability to raise the amount needed
- You have the skills and expertise available to carry out the project
- You have completed all of the necessary planning and addressed any consent issues.
- You have researched all of the alternatives and avenues for funding
WHAT DOES THE TRUST CONSIDER?
Below is a list of factors the Trust takes into consideration when assessing applications:
- Purpose - the project clearly assists organisations carrying out charitable, cultural, philanthropic and recreational work which is of benefit to the people in Otago.
- Measurable benefit – there is a clear understanding of who will benefit from the project and the outcomes expected.
- Community Support – the extent to which the community supports the project, for example through volunteer support and fundraising success.
- Skills and ability – the skills, knowledge and ability of coordinators and staff to successful complete the project.
- Financial – the financial situation of the group demonstrates they are well managed and stable.
- Fundraising to date – there has been a commitment from the applicant to raise money towards the project
- Other – any independent assessment or comment from relevant agencies, organisations or people.