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What is the Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury?
The Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury is a philanthropic trust which grants funding towards the projects of not-for-profit community organisations in the Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury regions.
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How long has it been going?
The Community Trust has been in existence since 1988 by Act of Parliament. Initially it was known as the Trust Bank South Canterbury Community Trust and in 1996 was renamed The Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury.
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What is the region that it serves?
The Community Trust takes grant applications from organisations that operate within the provinces of Mid and South Canterbury. The Rakaia River in the north, the Waitaki River in the south and the Southern Alps, to the west, are the boundaries. The region includes the local authority districts of Ashburton, Mackenzie, Timaru and Waimate.
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Where does the Community Trust get its money from?
Community funds, set aside by the South Canterbury Savings Bank and the Trustee Bank South Canterbury when they closed, have been invested. It is the annual returns from these investments that are used to run the organisation and fund the grants.
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Who are the Trustees?
The trustees are respected community-minded members of the local communities within Mid & South Canterbury, appointed because they have the necessary skills to help the Community Trust run its business.
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How are the Trustees appointed?
Trustees are appointed by the Minister of Finance, or the Associate Minister of Finance, usually on the advice of local Members of Parliament. They are appointed to 4-year terms filling vacancies on the Community Trust that occur by rotation.
The Grants
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How much is granted each year?
The Community Trust usually donates between $1 million and $1.5 million per year. The level of the grant budget is dependent on the level of investment returns in the preceding year.
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What types of groups can apply for grants?
Not-for-profit community groups can apply for funding. They need to have rules, meetings, good decision-making processes and good financial management and reporting processes. Most of the organisations that apply are incorporated societies, incorporated trusts or registered charities, but not all. Some are affiliated to larger organisations that are registered as societies, trusts or charities.
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Where does the money come from?
The money granted comes from the earnings from investments.
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Can individuals apply for grants?
No, individuals cannot apply for or receive Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury funding.
What types of projects are funded?
Broadly, we fund projects associated with community health and welfare, sport and recreation, culture and heritage, education, and the environment. Check the list of recipients on this website to get a better idea of what we donate to.
What types of groups are NOT funded?
Government and local body organisations are ineligible for funding. For-profit companies and commercial enterprises are also ineligible for funding. Schools, kindergartens, playcentres and teacher-led community early learning centres cannot apply for general grants, although they do receive a formula-driven annual grant for assisting disadvantaged students.
If your event cannot go ahead due to COVID-19 or you have a more pressing need for funds other than the use applied for, please contact the Community Relations Manager to discuss a change of purpose or an extension to your funding period. We want the money granted to stay in the community and help as best it can in these unusual times. We are prepared to be flexible, but do speak to us before re-purposing the grant.
How do organisations apply?
Organisations need to gather all their supporting information then fill out the online application form.
Can I apply using a paper or PDF form?
No. The Community Trust no longer accepts these old forms as our grants are now managed through an integrated software system which is used for decision making and to process payments. Organisations need to gather all their supporting information then fill out the online application form.
What if I need help with my application?
The Community Relations Manager is happy to assist groups with the application process and give advice.
The 10 Trustees decide which applicant organisations will receive a grant and how much they will get.
Historically, applicants applied to a round based only on the level of funding sought whereas our new funding model separates capital and operational funding requests. Under the new structure there are two grant rounds annually for capital projects up to a maximum value of $20,000. There are two grant rounds annually for capital projects in excess of $20,000. There are also two grant rounds annually for operational (programme or event) funding up to a maximum value of $15,000. These changes have been made without prejudice to applicants who hold existing multi year funding arrangements with the Community Trust which would not otherwise fall within the parameters of the new grant rounds and funding limits. There is a seventh grant round open by invitation only to “Special Projects” identified by the Trustees (usually foodbanks). Deadlines for applications and decision dates are listed in full here.
The Trustees review each application prior to their monthly grant round, and then discuss the merits of each application as a group. They compare the merits of each application with other grants made previously and with other applications in the round, always keeping in mind the grant budget for that round. As a group they decide whether an application will receive a grant and how much it will get. The role of the Community Relations Manager is to run due diligence on each application and to seek additional information if required to ensure that Trustees have all they need.
Can an organisation make more than one application per year?
Organisations should generally make only one application within the Community Trust’s financial year, which runs from 1st April to 31st March on an annual cycle. Second applications, within the Community Trust’s financial year, will only be considered in very exceptional circumstances.
Community House – Timaru
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Where is Community House situated?
27 Strathallan Street, Timaru, next to the Post Shop.
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Where can I park?
The car park spaces next door to Community House, are leased by and for the exclusive use of those organisations that operate from Community House. You will need to find a public park nearby, such as the public car parks in Sophia Street or The Terrace.
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What is Community House all about?
Community House is a community support hub – a base for not-for-profit community welfare and support organisations. These organisations share the space and facilities available.
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What organisations are in Community House?
There are over 20 different welfare and support organisations that work from Community House. More information.
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How do I book a meeting room?
Community House has two interview rooms and two meeting rooms available for occasional hire by community organisations and agencies. Ring 0800 672287 or (03) 6877630 between 9am & 2pm or email office@comtrust.org.nz to make a booking. More information.
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Who owns Community House?
Community House is owned and administered by the Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury as a further contribution to community welfare.