Photo - Clark Tibbs, Unsplash

May 2026 Funding Round

$1,435,585

Funds Approved

37

Organisations

$38,800

Average Value

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Grant criteria

The Trustees in exercising their absolute discretion under the Trust Deed will consider ENERGY-RELATED grants with the following criteria:

 

  • The project is in the former CentralPower catchment Manawatu/Tararua area (see map)

 

  • The project will be of benefit to the community; or

 

  • The project will assist business growth and economic development within the community; or

 

  • The project will promote energy conservation;

 




Information required from Applicants

In order that the Trustees can give full consideration to applications it will be necessary for the following information to be supplied:
  • A detailed background of the organisation and its aims and objectives;
  • An audited statement of the financial position of the applicant as at the most recent year end;
  • A detailed description of the project to be undertaken including all costs, and how other funding will be provided;
  • Two or more quotes for work to be undertaken and details of which quote is being accepted and why;
  • How the funds sought are being spent to benefit consumers within the Trust's area;
  • If a loan is sought, what terms of repayment are acceptable?
  • A completed current application form (If more room is required, please continue on separate sheets);
  • Copy of documentation confirming Charitable registration.

Please Note:


The Trustees will consider the applicant’s contribution towards the overall project costs when assessing funding requests. To encourage a financial contribution from the applicant, the Trustees may approve a grant amount that is less than the sum requested.


Applications for computers, photocopiers, data projectors, televisions, electric vehicles (EVs), EV chargers, and other short-life electronic equipment will not be considered.


Please note that the Trust is not currently accepting applications for solar projects.


Request under $5,000?

Do you have a funding request under $5,000? Please use the form below. 
Grant Application under $5000

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • How many funding rounds do you have per year?

    We have two funding rounds, one closing 1 May and the other 1 November.

  • If we have applied for funding when can we expect an outcome?

    Generally you will have a response within one month of applications closing.

  • Can we apply for funding for our annual electricity costs?

    Unfortunately not, this does not meet with the Trusts guidelines.

  • What is the current success rate of applications?

    For the May 2026 grant round, we had a success rate of 79% with the average value of grants being $38,800.

  • What are the main energy related items you currently fund?

    Currently the most awarded projects are for purchase and installation of heat pumps, energy relate appliances and energy related event funding for example sound and lighting costs.

  • Can schools apply for funding?

    Schools are eligible for funding with the same criteria as any other entity, except for the following items:


    • General Heatpumps (unless this is a heatpump required for a school pool)

    • LED Lighting


  • Do you accept funding applications for solar projects?

    Unfortunatley, no, at this current time the Trust is not accepting grant applications for solar projects.

Grant Funding rounds close 1 May & 1 November

Next application round closing in:

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Current Application Round Closed