Community trusts are among the most significant philanthropic institutions in New Zealand — holding billions of dollars in assets and distributing hundreds of millions annually to community organisations across the country. Understanding how community trusts work, which trust covers your region, and how to approach their grant programmes is essential for New Zealand community organisations.
New Zealand's community trusts were established from the proceeds of the government's corporatisation of the trading banks in the 1980s. When the government-owned savings banks (formerly the Post Office Savings Bank and regional savings banks) were privatised, the accumulated community capital was transferred to independent charitable trusts — with a mandate to use investment returns for community benefit.
This origin explains the scale of community trust assets: the banking sector had accumulated significant capital over decades; this was preserved as charitable endowment rather than returning to government or private shareholders.
Community trusts are regional — each serving a specific geographic area corresponding to the former savings bank regions.
Foundation North (formerly ASB Community Trust)
Foundation North covers Auckland and Northland — New Zealand's most populous region. With assets exceeding $1 billion, Foundation North is the largest community trust by assets and distributes over $60 million annually. It funds across all sectors: community, health, arts, environment, sport, and more.
Community Trust South
Community Trust South covers the southernmost regions — Otago, Southland, and parts of Canterbury. It distributes approximately $20 million annually to community organisations in these regions.
Tindall Foundation / The Todd Foundation / Nikau Foundation
These national foundations — while not community trusts in the strict sense — operate alongside community trusts and provide national-level philanthropic funding. The Todd Foundation focuses significantly on education; the Tindall Foundation on community wellbeing and families.
Other community trusts
Community trusts often work alongside each other and with gaming trusts to coordinate regional funding.
Open grant programmes
Most community trusts operate regular open grant rounds — accepting applications from any eligible organisation in their region. Application rounds may be quarterly, twice yearly, or continuous (rolling applications assessed regularly).
Strategic initiatives
Larger community trusts also operate strategic initiatives — focused multi-year investment in specific community challenges. Foundation North's strategic programmes, for example, have included major investments in Māori wellbeing, housing, and rangatahi (young people).
Capital grants
Community trusts often fund capital projects — building, renovation, and major equipment purchases — that many other funders won't touch. Community halls, sports facilities, arts centres, and community health facilities have all been funded through community trust capital grants.
Capacity building
Community trusts are among the most supportive funders of organisational capacity building — recognising that stronger organisations deliver better outcomes for communities.
Community need
Applications should clearly articulate the community problem or need being addressed — with evidence. Who is affected? How significantly? Why does this matter to the community?
Community benefit
The project should benefit the community broadly — not just members of the applying organisation. Community benefit should be demonstrable, not assumed.
Organisational capacity
Can the organisation deliver what it's proposing? Evidence of track record, sound governance, and financial management builds confidence.
Strategic alignment
Each community trust has strategic priorities — specific areas or approaches they're focusing investment on. Applications that align with these priorities are more likely to succeed. Review each trust's strategy and current priorities before applying.
Co-investment and leverage
Community trusts often look for projects that leverage other funding — government co-investment, other trust support, in-kind contributions, volunteer effort. Applications that show how the trust's grant catalyses additional investment are compelling.
Pre-application contact
Most community trusts encourage potential applicants to make contact before applying — to assess fit and get guidance on application focus. This is valuable: a brief conversation with a programme officer can save significant application effort and improve your chances.
Application forms
Community trust applications are submitted online. Forms vary by trust but typically require: organisation description, project description, community need evidence, project plan, budget, and governance and financial information.
Assessment process
Applications are assessed by programme staff and, for larger grants, by committees or boards. Some trusts visit applicants before making decisions on significant grants.
Decision timelines
Decision timelines vary — from 6 weeks (small grants) to several months (major strategic grants). Check your community trust's guidelines for expected timelines.
Know your community trust's priorities: Each trust publishes its strategic priorities. Applications that align with current priorities are more competitive.
Show evidence of community need: Assertions that need exists are less convincing than evidence — local statistics, community surveys, service data.
Be realistic about budget: Community trusts have experienced programme staff who know what things cost. Realistic budgets are more credible than artificially compressed ones.
Connect with programme staff: Pre-application conversations are valuable. Programme officers are generally helpful and can advise on whether your project is a good fit.
Tahua's grants management platform is used by community organisations applying to community trusts, and by foundations managing their own grant programmes — with application tracking, funder relationship management, and the workflow tools that simplify the funding journey.