Resilient Russell Charitable Trust makes donations or grants to other charitable organisations or community groups that have a purpose that can contribute to the Resilient Russell purpose which is:
“to grow the resilience and self-sufficiency of the Russell community in the face of environmental and wellbeing challenges.”
We welcome applications for grants for your organisation which you believe will help contribute to this purpose.
Resilient Russell Charitable Trust Donations Policy
1. Outward Donations are enabled as a core part of Trust activity
- Resilient Russell Charitable Trust may make donations to external causes or organizations that align with its purpose and values in the areas of environment, health, and community resilience.
- Outward donations will be assessed based on their potential impact and alignment with the charity’s purpose, values and strategic goals as set out in the Trust Deed.
- This policy provides guidelines on how the Trust can extend its impact beyond its own programs and activities by supporting external causes that further its purpose in environment, health, and community resilience.
- The purpose in our Trust Deed relates to the Kororāreka-Russell Community with specific reference to the Russell Peninsular. Donation requests will be considered from organisations from within this area, subject to the Trustees’ discretion.
2. Selection and Oversight
- Requests for Donations will be made on forms available for the purpose on ResilientRussell.nz, or from Treasurer@ResilientRussell.nz
- Members of an operating unit (currently Fixation, Russell Lights, The Shed, Recycling) receiving a request will make recommendations to the Trustees who approve on behalf of the Trust.
- The process for selecting external recipients of donations will be transparent and involve due diligence to ensure the funds are used effectively and in line with the Trust’s charitable purpose.
- Regular monitoring and evaluation of the outcomes of outward donations will be conducted to track impact and effectiveness.
3. Use of Funds generated
- The Trust commits to paying out as donations the majority of cash surpluses generated each year, subject to the Trust’s financial reserves policy for ensuring sufficient funds to cover operations and contingencies.
4. Reporting
- A summary of donations will be documented and reported in the Resilient Russell financial statements and annual reports to provide transparency to stakeholders and donors.
- Reports on the impact of outward donations will be shared with the Board and members to demonstrate how the charity’s contributions are making a difference in the broader community.
5. Conflicts of Interest
In order to manage conflicts of interest in regard to donations, the following steps will be taken:
- All trustees, committee members and members of Resilient Russell operating units will disclose any potential conflicts of interest regarding donations. Minutes of meetings will record these conflicts.
- Conflicted members may contribute to discussions about donations or other issues under discussion (as they may have valuable knowledge to contribute) but should recuse themselves from any formal decision on the matter.
- Conflicts of interest will be resolved by decision of trustees other than a conflicted trustee.
- All decisions related to donations must be made transparently and with appropriate documentation to demonstrate that conflicts of interest are being properly managed.
- When facing a conflict of interest related to donations, trustees should consider seeking advice from independent third parties, where appropriate.
Application Forms
A simple one-page application form for smaller grants (below $2,000) can be accessed here:
Small Grant ApplicationA more detailed form for larger grants (above $2,000) can be accessed here:
Larger Grant Application