What funding options are available for non-registered or informal groups?
What is a non-registered or informal group?
Many small non-profit organisations or groups with a community or social service focus, operate to help improve the quality of people’s lives in their communities but do not have their own legal identity. These groups are often referred to as “non-legal entities, non-registered or informal groups”.
Being registered with Charities Services does not make an organisation a legal entity.
What is a legal entity?
A legal entity is an organisation that has its own legal identity, separate from its members.
Legal entity status includes, but is not limited to:
- incorporated societies
- trusts registered under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957
- companies with charitable purposes
- local authorities
- school boards of trustees
- Māori trust boards in accordance with the Maori Trust Boards Act 1955.
What are the funding options available for non-legal entities?
Non-registered or informal groups may be eligible to apply for grants for under $10,000 if they meet the eligibility criteria for that fund.
Grants over $10,000 can be made only to organisations with legal entity status. For more information on what fund may be suitable for your group, please contact us for advisory support at community.matters@dia.govt.nz.
Are you an unregistered or informal group and need a grant for over $10,000?
You may seek assistance from a group you know, to act as a fundholder, also known as an umbrella organisation. A fundholder is an organisation that supports and requests a grant on behalf of an unregistered or informal group (normally a non-legal entity or a new group). A fundholder must meet our general funding requirements and provide the required supporting documents to support a grant application on behalf of the unregistered or informal group. There are obligations involved, for more information or support please email us for advisory support at community.matters@dia.govt.nz.