David Ellison Innovative Project Round Expressions of Interest 2025

Submissions are now being accepted. Submissions close at 5:00PM 15 October 2025 (NZDT).

The David Ellison Charitable Trust

Innovative Project Funding - 2025 Grant Round

The David Ellison Charitable Trust invites registered charitable organisations based in Christchurch or supporting services in Christchurch to submit expressions of interest for new, innovative programmes or projects, and/or collaborative initiatives with other charitable organisations in the following areas:

  • Disadvantaged children
  • Youth
  • At-risk families

Funding Eligibility Criteria

To apply for funding through the Innovative Project Grant:

  • Your organisation must be a registered charity
  • You must be introducing a new programme(s) or project(s)
  • Your organisation must be based in or supporting services in Christchurch

The purpose of the Innovative Project Grant is to give organisations an opportunity to develop a project that is new and innovative. Projects are expected to support individuals, groups, and/or communities to make a positive difference in line with the Trust’s Mission Statement. Projects that take a preventative approach, addressing issues before they emerge, are of particular interest to the Trust.

Important: This round is specifically for projects or programmes that are new and innovative. In the last funding round, many applications were for ongoing or existing projects, which were not eligible. If your project is not new or innovative, please consider applying in the Trust’s contestable round next year. Details are available on the Public Trust website.

Funding Available

Applicants can apply for:

  • A three-year innovative project with funding of up to $30,000 per annum
    • Year 1: $30,000
    • Year 2: $30,000
    • Year 3: $30,000
    • Total over 3 years: $90,000

At the end of the three-year period, it is expected that the organisation will have secured other funding sources, a government contract, or be able to operate independently. The Innovative Project Grant may serve as a bridge to help establish or sustain programmes, including collaborative efforts between organisations.

Application Timeline

Stage 1 – Expressions of Interest

  • Close: 5:00pm on Wednesday, 15 October 2025
  • Outcome Notification: By 30 November 2025
  • Note: Late applications will not be accepted.

Stage 2 – Full Applications

  • Open: 1 April 2026
  • Close: 30 April 2026
  • Outcome Notification: By end of May 2026

Contact Information

Public Trust 

Email: funding@publictrust.co.nz

IMPORTANT: Please read information below to assist you in completing your application online.

Step 1: Determine eligibility

Step 2: Register or login to apply online

  • First-time users must register.
  • Hint: Use a generic organisational email (e.g., info@organisation.org) to allow shared access.
  • Your login can be used for any Trust managed by Public Trust via SmartyGrants and for future grant rounds.
  • Note: Store your login details securely.

Step 3: Complete your Application

  • Best viewed/completed on a non-mobile device.
  • Complete all required questions (mandatory questions are marked with an asterisk*)
  • Attach all required supporting documents (Full Applications only).
  • Preferred formats for attachments is PDF, Excel, Word or JPG.  Supporting materials cannot exceed 25MB in size, as files exceeding this will not upload.
  • Hint: Save your work regularly so it is not lost if you time out or lose your connection. You can save your application at any stage and return to it later.

Step 4: Review and submit your Application

  • When you are satisfied with your application press the review button to ensure that all required sections of the application have been completed (you must do this before the submit button is enabled).
  • Submit your application.
  • Note: Once you have submitted your application no further editing or uploading of supporting documents is possible.

Step 5: What happens next?

  • You will receive an automated confirmation email with a copy of your application and assessment timeline
  • If you do not receive this email, your application was not successfully submitted (check your spam folder)
  • We will contact you if further information is required.

If you need more help using this form, download the Help Guide for Applicants or check out Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

If you have any technical difficulties using the online SmartyGrants portal email service@smartygrants.com.au