David Ellison Innovative Project Round Expressions of Interest 2025

The David Ellison Charitable Trust invites registered charitable organisations that are either based in Christchurch or supporting services within Christchurch to submit expressions of interest for the 2025 Innovative Project Grant. This grant is designed to support the development of new and innovative programmes or projects, including collaborative initiatives between charitable organisations. Priority will be given to projects that address one or more of the following focus areas:

• Disadvantaged children
• Youth
• At-risk families

The purpose of the Innovative Project Grant is to provide organisations with an opportunity to launch initiatives that are fresh, forward-thinking, and impactful. Projects should aim to make a positive difference for individuals, groups, or communities, and align with the Trust’s Mission Statement. The Trust is particularly interested in projects that take a preventative approach, addressing challenges before they escalate.

Important: This funding round is exclusively for new and innovative initiatives. In the previous round, many applications were for ongoing or previously established projects, which did not meet the eligibility criteria.

If your proposal is a continuation of an existing programme, we kindly ask that you do not submit an expression of interest in this round. Instead, we encourage you to apply for the Trust’s contestable grant round, scheduled for next year. Details are available on the Public Trust website here.

Before completing your application, please review the Trust’s Mission Statement and Funding Eligibility Criteria:

• Maintain and improve children’s health, education, and well-being in the Christchurch region
• Provide preventative education and support to improve the quality of life for at-risk families
• Enhance the quality of life and health support for families and communities experiencing poverty

Funding Available

Applicants may 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 conclusion of the three-year funding period, it is expected that the organisation will have secured alternative funding sources, a government contract, or be able to operate independently.