Frequently Asked Questions

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All correspondence must come to our office to be distributed to Trustees.

Yes, there is a lift available.

All organisations may be subject to an accountability audit for the funds received. A request for expenditure receipts will be made. In addition, an accountability audit may happen by way of an on-site visit by a member of The Community Trust, or by a request for a written report.Accountability forms are sent out approximately 12 months after you receive funds, to be completed with supporting invoices etc attached. They must be returned before another application can be approved or if the project has not been completed, a progress report is required.

No. The Canterbury Community Trust has only one office based in Christchurch . All applications and correspondence must come to Christchurch.
Freephone 0508 266 878

Our donations are paid from investment income or accumulated reserves and therefore are not subject to GST unlike grants which are derived from the profits of providing Goods & Services (Lottery or Councils). There is NO GST payable on our donations.

The reason we ask for a Chairperson’s report is to get an overview of the organisation’s activities over the past year. A brief report from your organisation’s Co-ordinator or President giving background information or updates on activities will be sufficient. If we require further information we will contact you.

Organisations are required to submit:

• Latest Audited accounts and Audit report;
• Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable);
• Charities Commission Certificate (if applicable);
• Current precoded deposit slip, or confirmation of account by your bank;
• Chairperson’s report;
• Minutes/Resolution from a meeting confirming that the Board agrees with applying to The Canterbury Community Trust;
• Copy of the Trust Deed or Constitution if you are applying for the first time;

There is a check-list on the application form to ensure you have everything you need. If the required items are not submitted, processing your application may be delayed.

The Trust will consider all reasonable requests which will directly benefit the applicant and the Community as a whole – including items of equipment, building restoration renovation, assistance with operating costs (including salaries), special initiatives or one off events.

Applications should be limited to an amount which will ensure your project is completed; we would expect that you have made application to other funders.

Organisations may only submit one application per year under their designated sector.All sub groups within an organisation or association should consolidate their request into one application. While there may be several projects requiring funding, they can all be put on one application form listed in priority order (e.g. Project A, B, C etc).

Incorporated societies or registered charitable trusts of community based organisations are eligible to apply for The Community Trust donations. Un-incorporated groups may apply for a maximum of $1000 providing the application is for a community based project.Organisations must benefit the people of Canterbury (North of the Rakaia), Kaikoura/Marlborough or Nelson.This means that your group must have a Certificate of Incorporation obtained through the Ministry of Economic Development. You may also obtain charitable organisation status through the www.charities.govt.nz Schools, NZ Free Kindergarten Assn. members and Churches are not required to supply a copy of the letter granting charitable status or Certificates of Incorporation.

Ensure you get your application form in by the closing date, enclose a letter stating what other information is still to come and send it as soon as possible. The main thing is to ensure we have your application form on time.

No. We must have an original, signed application form plus copies of financial accounts, and other supporting documentation. We also do not accept photocopied (completed or uncompleted) versions of applications.

Ensure your application form is submitted by the closing date for your sector. You may submit draft accounts along with a letter from your auditor stating your accounts are currently being audited and give a date as to when they will be available. If documentation is not available on the closing date explain why and when accounts will be available.

The Canterbury Community Trust's requirements are as follows:

You will receive a letter from the Trust approximately 10 – 15 days following the donations meeting in your region for your sector. Unfortunately we are unable to advise you of the outcome over the phone.

Please Note: Due to the volume of applications, any application received
earlier than one month prior to its designated closing date will be returned for resubmission closer to the deadline

The sector you apply under is determined by the aims and objectives as stated in your group’s Trust Deed or Constitution, not on the project you are wishing to complete. Your group will continue to apply under the same sector each year regardless of your project (e.g. schools always apply under ‘Education’ sector even if the project is sport or music orientated). The only reason your group would change sectors is if you change the main aim of your organisation in your Trust Deed or Constitution. If you are a first time applicant and are unsure which sector you best fall under please contact our office for advice.