How do we assess?

When you apply for funding, your request will go through an assessment process that helps us determine if it is a strong fit with our strategy. Our priority is always to fund projects and initiatives that highly align with one of our four focus areas. We have a limited grants budget and each request is considered alongside all other requests for the funding available.

We consider the following:

• Does your service, programme, project or event align strongly with one of our focus areas? If so, in what ways?
• Is it for, by and with one or more of our priority communities?
• Are you meeting a community need? If so, are any other organisations already addressing this need, and are you collaborating?
• Can your organisation effectively deliver?
• Do you have a track record of working in this sector?
• Is your organisation in good financial shape?
• Are you meeting financial reporting requirements, and abiding by your organisation's own trust deed or constitution?
• Have you considered potential risks, such as health and safety?
• How will you track your progress, or know that your service is working? What evaluation is planned?
• Is your work aligned to best practice principles, if applicable?
• Have you got enough lead time to plan and deliver this project, programme or event?
• What other sources of funding or income does your organisation have?

We also prioritise initiatives, actions and activities which focus on:

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi: increasing understanding and giving effect to Te Tiriti.
• Climate Action: mitigation and adaptation to the threats posed by climate change.

If our assessment team has any questions as they review your request, a member of the team will be in touch.