The New Zealand Society (UK) Charitable Fund was set up in order to foster links and cultural exchange between New Zealanders and the UK. Approved Grants usually support individuals and organisations that contribute to the arts, education, cultural heritage and sport. We have a high track record of Committee approvals of Grant Applications, but we do apply a strict and consistent evaluation process to each application we receive, and we do occasionally deny applications or insist on more detail / better terms / bigger impact for our Society and our membership where we feel it is required.
About Us
The New Zealand Society (UK) was established in 1927 as a dining club for New Zealanders in London. Since then, the club has developed into the leading organisation for those in the UK with strong links with Aotearoa.
Our patron is His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and our vice patron is HE Bede Corry, New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Our Charitable Fund
The New Zealand Society (UK) Charitable fund was set up in order to foster links and cultural exchange between New Zealanders and the UK. We work mainly with individuals and organisations who contribute in the areas of the arts, education, cultural heritage and sport. This page is designed to provide information and guidelines to help you with your application.
This page contains the following information sheets:
About Us Does my project qualify? Guidance on the fund’s priorities Frequently asked questions Application form
Non-profit organisation We are a non-profit organisation supported entirely by our membership base and also from the proceeds of regular events.
Society Objectives We wish to promote the interests of New Zealand in the United Kingdom by maintaining and furthering good relations between the two countries. More specifically, the objects of the Society are:
(a) To promote the interests of New Zealand in the United Kingdom. (b) To maintain and to further good relations between the United Kingdom and New Zealand. (c) To provide for New Zealanders and others interested in New Zealand opportunities for joining in activities of mutual interest. (d) To promote and support such activities and opportunities by making provision for: (i) Discussions, meetings, conferences and talks on matters of current interest and all forms of social gatherings incidental to them; (ii) The encouragement of people from all walks of life in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, especially young people, to visit, gain experience and work in the other country; and (iii) Any other activities which might be conducive to promoting good relations.
Society’s Rules A copy of our New Zealand Society (UK) Rules can be obtained from here.
Does My Project Qualify?
Guidance on the NZ Society Charitable fund priorities
As mentioned above, we support a broad range of projects that foster links and cultural exchange between New Zealand and the UK. Generally small scale grants (less than £2,000) are easier to consider than large requests, due to the limited size of our charity fund.
Applications will be judged against the following criteria:
- cultural/scientific/sporting/heritage benefit
- financial viability and value for money
- deliverability
- community involvement/support/benefit
- evidence of need and other relevant funders/bodies
- opportunity for linkage/PR for the New Zealand Society (UK)
The Fund will be used to support short or longer-term projects. In the case of longer-term projects, which may take some time to develop or complete, grant will be set aside for the whole project. Payment of grant may be made in instalments. Grants are available for both revenue (the costs of running or maintaining a project) and capital costs (the costs of setting up or constructing a project).
It is not an absolute requirement to provide match funding, although it is seen as adding value to a project proposal. If the New Zealand Society (UK) funding is a small part of a much larger project then the New Zealand Society (UK) would like to identify a specific element which they have supported.
Projects receiving a grant are required to acknowledge the support from the Fund (through signs, leaflets, website acknowledgement, magazine articles etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
-What are the deadlines and time scales for applications?
Application forms may be submitted to the New Zealand Society (UK) President and Committee at any time. However, it will help our processes if they are submitted in the first half of the year so we can plan around our annual commitments.
The New Zealand Society (UK) Charitable Trust sub-committee meets at regular intervals and we would aim to get some feedback to you with 4-8 weeks.
We may come back to you in the interim to ask for more information to support your application.
-Is there a time limit in which my grant offer must be spent?
All New Zealand Society (UK) offers have a commencement date by which the project must be started and a completion date by which any final grant claim must be submitted. These are usually set at 12 months and 18 months from the date of the ‘in principle’ offer of grant.
-Where shall I send my application?
Please complete with all fields, attach supporting information and/or scans, and send your form to president@nzsociety.co.uk
Download the application form here. Download it and save it on your own computer, not on the NZ drive please.
Download the guidance, terms and conditions here
RECIPIENTS 2022
2022 The Light Inside - Documentary by Harry Knight
2022 Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand - 2 Young Shakespeare Company students
2022 The Ballance House - Restoration project
2022 Late To The Party - Film by Emma Keeling
2022 London Pacific Fashion Week - Photoshoot and showcasing