Frequently asked questions

Here are a number of questions which come up regularly.  If you've got a question which isn't in the list, just give us a call or flick us an email.

These questions are all about applying for a grant from the J R McKenzie Trust.  If you have any questions about the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund, which is a separate fund administered by Rotary clubs, please click here.

Question 1. When are the closing dates for applications in 2012?

  • Answer: The next grant round will close for applications on Friday 13 July.

Question 2. How do I apply for a grant?

  • Answer: First, it’s important to check to see if what you’re applying for meets our focus.  If so, you can complete an outline application here.

Question 3. We used to regularly receive small grants from the J R McKenzie Trust, but recently our application(s) have been unsuccessful.  What’s changed?

  • Answer: Following a review in 2010, we are taking a more strategic, focused approach to our grant making.  We want to contribute to longer term change – this means building a society where fewer people are in dire straits, and where there is less need for health and social services over time.  We are now making larger grants, over a longer duration, but this does mean we are making fewer of them.  Whereas before 2010 around 80% of applicants received a grant from us, the “success rate” is now nearer 2%.  We believe this approach will allow us to make the greatest contribution possible with the resources at our disposal, but it does mean we are no longer able to fund a number of organisations which continue to do important work.  We’d encourage you to read more about our strategic approach here.

Question 4. Our organisation is committed to a more socially just and/or inclusive New Zealand.  Will you give us a grant?

  • Answer: Our vision is of a more socially just and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.  Within this, our main focus areas are Māori Development and Disadvantaged Children and their Families, although applications with a focus on other especially marginalised groups may also be considered.  However, there are many organisations doing valuable work in these areas, and we simply can’t fund all of them (we fund around 2% of applications received).  Before applying, check whether your approach fits well with ours, which is set out here.  In particular, we want to fund capacity development, self-determined Māori development, and advocacy and other work towards social change.  To find out more about what we mean by these terms, have a look at our strategy here.

Question 5. How long will it take for our application to be assessed?  When will we hear the result?

  • Answer: Within about 5 weeks you should hear whether your application has been shortlisted or not considered for a grant.  If shortlisted, you will have 5 weeks to complete a full application, with a final decision made about 9 weeks later: so the whole process takes approximately four and a half months.

Question 6. We have completed an outline application online, but we have not received an acknowledgement.  Have you received the application?

  • Answer: Check you have clicked submit.  If the application has definitely been submitted, give us a call to check.  You can find our contact details here.

Question 7. What is Māori development?

  • Answer: We don’t presume to define “Māori development”, but we have a strong preference for Māori-led development for Māori.  Activities are likely to:
  • Be ‘by Māori and for Māori’
  • Have positive, practical outcomes for Māori
  • Follow a kaupapa Māori approach
  • Contribute to the fulfilment of Māori aspirations to live as Māori; actively participate as citizens of the world; and to enjoy good health/well-being and a high standard of living
  • Ensure Māori participation in decision-making
  • Provide for long-term sustainability of outcomes.

Question 8. What do you mean by Disadvantaged children and their families?

  • Answer: This has always been a core priority for the Trust.  There is now very strong evidence that acting early with children who have a high chance of not doing well, and their caregivers, is more effective than leaving things to later.  We are keen to support early intervention and prevention strategies whenever possible.
  • “Children” include people up to 18 years old.
  • “Disadvantage” means reduced ability to enjoy a full quality of life, for example because of: poverty; an environment that does not meet basic physical, social, cultural and emotional needs; discrimination and stigma; disability and health disorders; abuse and/or a risk to safety; poor employment opportunities, etc.

Question 9. We want to buy, construct or renovate a building. Can we apply?

  • Answer: We don’t normally fund the construction of buildings or capital works.  You can find a list of things which the Trust doesn’t generally make grants to here.  If you are still not sure or would like to discuss this further, please give us a ring.

Question 10. Do you provide grants to pay for service delivery?

  • Answer: In line with our strategy, we want to fund capacity development, self-determined Māori development, and advocacy and other work towards social change.  To find out more about what we mean by these terms, have a look at our strategy here.  We therefore wouldn’t normally fund applications focused only on service delivery.  However, if your application fits within our focus and strategic approach, and you’re still not sure or would like to discuss this further, please contact us.

Question 11. Do I have to send background papers/supporting information with my outline application?

  • Answer: No.  If your outline application is shortlisted you will be asked to complete a full application, including more detailed information about your organisation and its background, at a later stage.  Any additional information submitted along with your outline application will not be considered, because we have to assess many applications in quite a short time.

Question 12. How much money do you usually grant?

  • Answer: Most of our grants currently range between $10,000 and $400,000, over a period of 1-3 years.  You can find out more about our current grants here.

Question 13. What is the maximum grant we can apply for?

  • Answer: There is no fixed maximum grant.  You should think carefully about how your project will work towards long term systemic change, in line with our vision and strategy.  Consider the realistic costs involved in your project, and apply for the amount you need to carry it out.

Question 14. We want to apply for a grant of $2,500.  Do you still make grants that small?

  • Answer: We rarely make grants this small.  We’d encourage you to think strategically about what you want to achieve and how it will contribute towards a more socially just and inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand over the long term.

If you have other questions not listed here, you are welcome to contact us.

Questions relating to the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund:

Question 1. How do I apply for a grant from the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund?

  • Answer: The J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund is administered totally through Rotary clubs.  It is not part of the J R McKenzie Trust.  The best way to find out more, and to apply is to contact your local Rotary club.  For more information click here.

Question 2. I have applied for a grant from the J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund.  How can I find out whether I have been successful?

  • Answer: The J R McKenzie Youth Education Fund is administered totally through Rotary clubs.  It is not part of the J R McKenzie Trust.  For information about your application you should contact the secretary of the Rotary club which you applied to.  For more information click here.