Central Lakes Trust provides a 'helping hand' to organisations and groups which service a need in the community. It only funds charitable projects. To qualify, applications must relate to one of the four following areas before the Trust can consider an application for funding. These are defined as:

• Relief of Poverty 
• Advancement of Religion 
• Advancement of Education
• Other purposes beneficial to the community

Please note that although sport is not included as a head of charity, the provision of public recreational facilities may in some cases be deemed to be charitable, depending upon individual circumstances. In these cases it is recommended that contact is made with Trust staff to discuss further. 

What does a "helping hand' mean?

A 'helping hand' means that unless the circumstances are exceptional, the Trust will not fully fund a project or service. The Trust provides a contribution ("helping hand") alongside an organisation's own fundraising efforts and grants provided by other funding agencies. The Trust will usually require applicants to have full funding in place for their project before the Trust's contribution will be made available.

Helpful hints to assist in completing Central Lakes Trust applications

• Discuss your organisation's application/project with one of our Grants Assessors prior to completing an application form.
• Read the guidelines carefully prior to completing an application. 
• Include ALL the information requested. Incomplete applications may be returned to the applicant, thus resulting in a delay before a decision can be made.
• Check that the project meets the Trust's funding criteria.
• Be specific about your project. Answer the questions as clearly and accurately as possible. 
• Please do not write "See Attached" in the boxes provided. If there is insufficient space, please provide a brief summary in the box and then attach further details.
• Assume the Trust knows nothing about your organisation or project. Applicants to provide background information about the organisation and its objectives.
• Outline your organisation's current financial position.
• Ensure the contact people listed on the application form are available to discuss the application if required.
• Retain a copy of the full application and supporting documentation. This will be helpful when undertaking any evaluation requirements, should the application be successful.
• Be realistic; be honest and don't rely on one funder to fund the entire project.
• Don't forget to include a list showing volunteer input to your organisation and any significant donated materials.
• Ensure you allow up to three FULL months from the time you submit a fully completed application before an outcome will be advised. 
• You cannot commence a project until a decision has been advised. 
• Please do not supply multiple copies of requested documentation.
• Please do not bind the application form or any part thereof.

Grant Decision Process

Applicants are requested to retain a copy of the entire completed application form and supporting documentation for its own records. Central Lakes Trust does NOT accept applications by fax or email, so please either post or hand-deliver. The checklist in Section 6 of the application outlines what additional/supporting documentation is required. Only applications that are fully complete and include ALL the additional information will be considered. Incomplete applications may be returned which will inevitably delay any decision. Applicants are required to tick all relevant boxes in Section 6 prior to submitting the application complete with supporting documentation to Central Lakes Trust.

• Receipt of Applications
  When an application is received, it will be acknowledged by the Trust Office by email. 
• Assessment Process
  Trust staff may seek further information regarding applications. If this happens, then a prompt response to any request for additional information will prevent any delay in a decision being reached. 
  As part of the assessment process the Trust may:
  • Meet personally with applicant organisations. Central Lakes Trust staff will arrange suitable appointment times for site visits if required.
  • Make enquiries to other organisations, such as funding agencies, local authorities or government departments.
• Decision Making
  A decision should be made within three months of the Trust receiving a completed application. Grant applications are assessed by staff and presented to Trustees for consideration each month, except for January. 
• Notification
  All applicants will be advised in writing of the Trustees' decision whether successful or otherwise.

Funding Conditions and Payment of Grants

• Details of grants approved including the name of the organisation, the project and amount funded will be made public by Central Lakes Trust on a quarterly basis via Media Releases and our website. 
• Central Lakes Trust may include conditions as part of its funding decision. Conditions will vary depending on the type of project. 
• The grant approval will be valid for a specified time. 

Most Operational grants will be paid in two instalments, the first at the start of the grant period and the second, six months later upon receipt of specified financial documentation. 

Project grants, depending on the purpose, can be paid progressively into the organisations nominated bank account as the project evolves and costs are incurred. The Trust does not pay any contractors or invoices directly. For some projects (particularly building projects) which take place over several months, requests to uplift may be submitted on a monthly basis if they are accompanied by the relevant invoices.

GST

There is no GST associated with Central Lakes Trust grants. 
Grants made to organisations which are registered for GST will exclude the GST component of the project cost as these organisations are able to claim back any GST paid from the Inland Revenue Department.
Grants made to organisations which are not registered for GST, are GST inclusive.