JBS Dudding Trust 2026 - Rangitikei Region Rural Halls Maintenance

Submissions are now being accepted. Submissions close at 5:00PM 3 July 2026 (NZST).

JBS Dudding Trust

Rangitīkei Region – Rural Hall Maintenance Grants

2026 Grant Round

Please read the information below carefully before starting your online application. Some details have changed from previous years, so all applicants are encouraged to review this information in full.

About the JBS Dudding Trust

The JBS Dudding Trust was established in 1963 by local farmer and investor John Beresford Swan Dudding and has been administered by Public Trust since its inception. The Trust is a Registered Charity under the Charities Act 2005 (Registration No. CC27320).

Mr Dudding spent most of his life farming and understood the financial uncertainty faced by rural communities, particularly as a result of fluctuating farm prices. Through the establishment of this Trust, he sought to support rural people and communities across the Rangitīkei region. Grants awarded to rural organisations, schools, and halls are intended to help strengthen community resilience and wellbeing.

Grant Round Dates (Rural Halls Maintenance)

  • Applications open: 9:00am, Monday 4 May 2026
  • Applications close: 5:00pm, Friday 3 July 2026
  • Outcome notifications: Expected by 11 December 2026
    (Please note this date is subject to change. Any updates will be advised by email via the SmartyGrants portal.)

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to Rural Hall Committees that:

  • Are responsible for the day-to-day management of a Rural Hall, and
  • Are located within the Rangitīkei Region.

Funding may be used for general maintenance work, either inside or outside the hall.

Applicants are encouraged to review the JBS Dudding Trust  Funding Region & Eligibility Criteria before applying. If you are unsure whether your Rural Hall is eligible, please contact Public Trust Charities for guidance.

Please note: Only one application per Rural Hall will be considered.

Funding Available

  • Grants range from $2,000 to $20,000 (GST exclusive)
  • Requests must fall within this range to be considered

How Applications Are Assessed

The Trustee considers all eligible applications, with advice from the Advisory Board Members, at the Annual Board Meeting. The Trustee’s decision is final.

The Trust is unable to:

  • Enter into correspondence regarding decisions
  • Provide reasons for unsuccessful applications
  • Reconsider applications once decisions are made

In some cases, grants may be approved subject to conditions. If so, funds will generally be held by the Trustee until the conditions are met.

When Applications Will Not Be Considered

Your application will not be assessed if it:

  • Is incomplete or submitted after the closing date
  • Requests retrospective funding
  • Is not directly related to rural hall maintenance
  • Falls outside the approved funding amount
  • Is from an individual, sports organisation, or service club
  • Relates to an overseas project
  • Is not based in, or supporting people within, the Rangitīkei Region (Rangitikei District Council map)

Accountability Requirements (from 2025):

All successful applicants were required to upload receipts for grant expenditure, and some were also required to complete an Accountability Report. Any applicant who has not met these requirements through the SmartyGrants portal (or made prior arrangements with Public Trust, as Trustee) will not be considered eligible to apply this year.

How to Apply

Applications must be completed and submitted through the Public Trust online grant system, SmartyGrants.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

  • Review the Funding Region and Eligibility Criteria on the Public Trust website Funding Region & Eligibility 
  • Confirm your Rural Hall is located within the approved funding region
  • Contact Public Trust Charities if you are unsure

Step 2: Register or Log In

  • First-time users must register using an email address
  • A shared or “generic” hall email address is recommended where possible
  • Your login can be reused for future applications

Step 3: Complete the Application

  • Applications are best completed on a non-mobile device
  • All required questions must be completed (mandatory questions are marked with *)
  • Upload all supporting documents (preferred formats: PDF, Word, Excel, or JPG; maximum total size 25MB)
  • Save your work regularly

Step 4: Review and Submit

  • Use the review function to check all sections are complete
  • Once submitted, no further edits or uploads can be made

Step 5: After Submission

  • You will receive an automated confirmation email with a copy of your application
  • If no email is received, please check your spam folder
  • Applicants will be notified of the outcome via the SmartyGrants portal

Need Help?

Smarty Grants Help Guide for Applicants

 Smarty Grants Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Additional information about the Trust and John Beresford Swan Dudding is available on the Public Trust website JBS Dudding Trust