GRANTS
first step: here is rotorua trust’s strategy
priority areas
Healthy Families
Whānau Ora
We believe:
- Every person has a right to a safe and warm home
- When our tamariki thrive, our communities thrive
- When our people are empowered to take responsibility, their health and well-being improves
We support those that will:
- Work collaboratively with others and are community led
- Create opportunities for our community to have improved equity and well-being
- Encourage self-responsibility and learning
ENVIRONMENT
Taiao Ora
We believe in:
- Protecting and enhancing our taonga of lakes, rivers, flora and fauna
- Incorporating a Te Ao / Mātauranga Māori approach
- A flourishing environment for every generation
We support those that will:
- Recognise Mātauranga Māori and its value
- Work towards our environment being protected, renewed and restored, following a collaborative approach
EDUCATION
Ako Ora
We believe:
- Tamariki attending school / kura regularly are ready to participate and learn
- Rangatahi with a plan towards training and employment stay engaged
We support those that will:
- Collectively provide opportunities for our tamariki and rangatahi to thrive
- Ensure the youth voice is heard
Strengthening communities
Hapori Ora
We believe in:
- Building participation and belonging creates safe and strong communities
- Embracing diversity and inclusion
We support those that will:
- Provide support services to those in greatest need
- Promote a sense of belonging and resilience
- Embrace community led initiatives
VIBRANCY
Wairua Ora
We believe in:
- Supporting positive events and activities improving our community pride and well-being
We support those that will:
- Increase community pride and social cohesion
- Develop creativity and capability
- Provide access and participation opportunities
A vibrant and resilient Rotorua for all.
next step: here is the criteria for Rotorua Trust’s Funding:
Eligible:
- A registered charity
- An incorporated society
- A registered charitable trust
- A limited liability company fully owned by one of the above, operating for charitable purposes
- Controlled or coordinated by an arm of central or local government
- Controlled by an association of persons under an adopted constitution and rules, with acceptable financial accounts and annual reports.
Your organisation must also be located within the Rotorua Trust boundary.
Not eligible:
- Organisations run for private profit
- Individuals
- Items/expenses that have already been paid for
All grant applications are to be submitted online. With the exception of December, applications close on the last day of each month and will have a funding outcome confirmed by the following month. Applications submitted in December will be considered at the Trust’s February meeting.
Note – Rotorua Civic Arts Trust:
– Rotorua Civic Arts Trust considers applications up to a maximum amount of $5,000.
– Amounts over $5,000 should be directed to Rotorua Trust.
– Applications can only be made to either Rotorua Civic Arts Trust or Rotorua Trust.
next step: which funding round does your project fit in?
Grants up to $50,000
Grants up to $50,000 are reviewed in the Trust’s monthly funding rounds. Applications submitted by the due date are reviewed at the Trust’s next board meeting, subject to all required documents being provided.
Grants over $50,000
Grants over $50,000 have a longer review period, of a minimum of two months. The applicant will be informed which Board Meeting their application will be brought to. Applications over $50,000 will require additional documentation, such as a business case and/or a meeting with Rotorua Trust.
All grant applications are to be submitted online.
The decision to approve or decline a funding application lies with the Trustees, who meet every month (apart from January) to consider each grant request and the accompanying funding recommendation. Trustees will generally only consider one application from an organisation over 12 months.
All applications are reviewed during the due diligence process, during which we will contact applicants if additional information is required.
We welcome applicants to contact us before applying via admin@rotoruatrust.org.nz.
2025 due dates and board meeting dates
| Application Due Date | Board Meeting |
| Note: Final 2024 application review: Monday, 18 November | Friday, 13 December 2024 |
| Friday, 31 January 2025 | Friday, 28 February 2025 |
| Friday, 28 February 2025 | Friday, 28 March 2025 |
| Monday, 31 March 2025 | Friday, 2 May 2025 |
| Wednesday, 30 April 2025 | Friday, 30 May 2025 |
| Saturday, 31 May 2025 | Friday, 27 June 2025 |
| Monday, 30 June 2025 | Friday, 25 July 2025 |
| Thursday, 31 July 2025 | Friday, 29 August 2025 |
| Sunday, 31 August 2025 | Friday, 26 September 2025 |
| Tuesday, 30 September 2025 | Friday, 31 October 2025 |
| Friday, 31 October 2025 | Friday, 28 November 2025 |
| Monday, 17 November | Friday, 12 December 2025 |
You can view a preview of the application form here. Note: all funding applications must be submitted via the Grants Portal.