In 1996 WCT received $44 million from the sale of Trust Bank New Zealand. This core reserve (pot of money) is invested to ensure we have enough to grant in the Wellington region each year. Read more about our investments here.

Every year we set a budget – based on how well our investments are doing. This budget is split across our core strategic granting streams: He Rau Aroha, General Grants, and LIFT Grants.

Our assessment team reviews applications on an ongoing basis, and decisions are made (grants given) every few weeks for grants up to $10,000. Larger grant decisions are made by the Board at meetings every 6-8 weeks.

Our grant-making is guided by these ambitions & outcomes:

Wellington Community Trust is part of a network of 12 community trusts. Each trust covers a different region of the country and has its own governance and budget. Find out about other funders here.

We sometimes work in partnership with local government, other funders, and community & charitable organisations, to realise our vision.