• An organisation is eligible for one successful grant per ECCT financial year which is April – March. If an organisation’s application is declined or withdrawn, the organisation may put in another application, however, this may be deemed a lower priority. 
  
  
• Individuals are not eligible to apply for ECCT grants, except for some funds under TiraRangatahi pathways.
  
  
• Organisations eligible for grants must:
  
  
  • Be a legal entity with a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN) that has a charitable purpose, incorporated society, or charitable trust. If the organisation is a limited partnership or company, the organisation must have a charitable purpose and have a wind-up clause that states all grants received are returned and assets are given to a charitable purpose.
  • Legal entity status includes, but is not limited to incorporated societies, Trusts registered under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957, companies with charitable purposes, local authorities, school board of trustees and / or Māori trust boards in accordance with the Māori Trust Boards Act 1955.
  • Have a written constitution or set of rules that states that the organisations resources will only be applied to public / community purposes, rather than private/ individual purposes.
  • For organisations wishing to apply for more than $10,000 (GST excl.), they are required to have legal entity status, which is that of a NZBN. 
  • Have their own bank account.
    

Government Organisations – Local and Central

ECCT may fund projects and organisations in partnership with local government organisations that fall outside business as usual for these organisations. The projects must have wider community benefit and will consider community projects sponsored or coordinated by local or central government agencies that can demonstrate community collaboration and buy in.  
Note: ECCT does not fund areas that are clearly the responsibility and core business of central or local government. 
Central Govt.  is ineligible to apply for funding or be a fundholder. 

National Organisations

ECCT prefers to fund the local branch rather than the national organisation. However, for clarity the applicant should be the group which is the legal entity or registered charity. For assets, this will be the entity with the assets on its books.

Where a national organisation applies on behalf of its branch – the funds must be committed to the region covered by the Trust. The applicant must also supply the local accounts / operating statements or a budget for the delivery of activities in ECCT’s area in addition to their own (national-level or consolidated) accounts.

Branches which are not legal entities or registered charities in their own right, can apply themselves if formal delegated authority permissions are in place from their national / regional organisation (which is the legal / charitable entity). Evidence of delegated authority must be provided with the application. Local accounts and the consolidated accounts of the national organisation must also be provided.

Schools

Schools (including Parent Teacher Associations) must make applications through their Board of Trustees. Schools will need to demonstrate that what they are applying for is outside Ministry of Education mandate. ECCT will not fund schools for single applications / working in isolation or where there is no wider community benefit. Exclusions include and not limited to uniforms, transport to/from school, school camps and trips, education equipment, etc. Where a school is deemed to be the community hub, their application may be considered. 

Social Enterprise

ECCT will not fund purely for-profit groups. It will consider social enterprise initiatives and applications from not-for-profit groups that have an aim of supporting the community through enhanced economic activity. Social enterprise or business must have clear written arrangements in place outlining community benefits and split of funds between the business and social purpose.

Faith-Based Organisations and Churches

ECCT will not fund faith-based organisation or Churches. Community Outreach programmes may be considered where there is no religious/faith based component.  Please contact ECCT before submitting your application.  

As part of our funding agreement, we would like contributions acknowledged in all communications about supported project / initiatives. This includes all media coverage, newsletters, social media or website promotions.

For media releases, please share it with us before it goes to the media as the Trust may wish to provide a comment to include in the release as to why we supported the project. We turn things around fast so we won't cause any delay. 

ECCT also reserves the right to share your story across our various platforms. 

Please make sure to download the current logo.  If you need different versions other than what is provided, please contact info@ecct.org.nz   

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ECCT was pleased to help support the development of this Community Governance WEBSITE.

It has useful governance tools and resources along with opportunities for training and mentoring for NFP trustees/board.  

Hononga | Partnerships is a central Pou under our strategic plan 2023-2030.  We will rarely fund an entire project, so collaboration is key.   

Here is a selection of other funders by region that may be willing to assist in co-funding or to support you if you no longer align with our overall strategy to accelerate transformational change.