Welcome to

The Manchester Unity Welfare Trust Board

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Organisations

Grants Provided

$2.2M+ in Funding Provided

Originally Founded

About

We provide financial assistance via “Annual Grants” to “Registered Charities” Organisations assisting the elderly in Canterbury.

The Past

The Manchester Unity Welfare Trust Board, which was previously known as the Manchester Unity Welfare Homes Trust Board, was originally founded in 1966 by the North Canterbury District of Manchester Unity Friendly Society and Age Concern Canterbury with assistance from the NZ Government and South Christchurch Rotary, to provide residential and hospital care for the elderly in Christchurch. This resulted in a very prominent care facility being established, known as George Manning House which still operates very successfully today.

However with the provision of numerous private facilities and Government subsidies for residential and hospital care, the necessity for the Manchester Unity Welfare Homes Trust Board to continue was greatly reduced and the facility was sold in 2006 resulting in a considerable Trust Fund.

The Trust So Far

A change to the original Trust Deed was permitted by order of the High Court and the objects along with the name were changed. This allowed The Manchester Unity Welfare Trust Board to invest funds in accordance with the Trustees Act 1956 and the income paid to such charities registered under the Charitable Trust Act 1957 or the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 and exempt from income tax by the Inland Revenue Department, to assist the ‘Elderly” in Christchurch and Canterbury.

Since providing financial support from 2011, Board Members have approved 150 grants to 37 organisations with a total funding (to date: March 2024) of over $2.2 million, towards projects assisting the elderly.

Our Future

Following a study into the needs of the elderly community in Canterbury undertaken by Barrer & Co in 2023-24, Manchester Unity Welfare Trust Board’s granting focus for the 2024 grant round is “Improving the Health and Wellbeing of the Elderly”.

The Trust will therefore prioritise grants towards organisations, projects, or activities that:

  • Provide care, services, and support for elderly with physical and mental health needs.
  • Improve the mental and physical health outcomes for elderly through health promotion and disease or illness prevention.
  • Improve the wellbeing and social connectedness of elderly who are vulnerable to social isolation or face barriers to inclusion.

Read our full strategy for 2024-2026 in full here for more information about our granting focus and approach to funding.

Endorsement

Over the past five years, the Trust has generously provided grants for WesleyCare to install a recumbent bathing system, a flotation chair for palliative care residents and 12 months’ salary for a part-time Residents Role supporting older people in CMM’s community housing at Wesley Village.
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With a philosophy of supporting and caring for others, the Manchester Unity Welfare Trust Board has ensured better care for Canterbury’s elderly. Its support has assisted the purchase of specialised equipment like special beds and vans for transporting clients, and provision of services such as meals in homes

Our Stories

Windsorcare

Windsorcare

As an aged care provider, we are very focussed on the holistic nature of the care experience. When support for residents, families and visitors are in place and cohesive, our resident is cared for with all the professionalism available in our one space. It is...

Waikari Health Centre

Waikari Health Centre

The grant from MUWTB has enabled us to subsidise Podiatry appointments for the people in our community aged 65 and over. This is hugely beneficial for those who do not drive or only drive locally, to be able to access this service which would otherwise be unavailable...

St Christopher’s Church

St Christopher’s Church

St Christopher's Church is very grateful to have received support for our seniors’ activities which are well received by both parishioners and people from the community. Some of our Seniors’ activities include Wednesday morning tea; Little Dove on Fridays for a...

Frequently Asked Questions

When can we apply for a Grant?

The Grant process commences in March each year with advertising in The Press in March/April. Applications close at the end of April.

When will we be notified if successful or not?

The Board meets late May or early June to decide on the applications. Applicants are advised by the end of June

Can an individual apply for funding?

No. All applications must be from a qualified registered Organisation with the funding to support the “Elderly” in Christchurch and Canterbury.

When are the funds paid out?

Grants are generally paid in August with cheques presented during an evening function. However an early payment may be made should the Board consider the funds are required urgently.

Can the funds be spread beyond a year?

The funding would cover the time period noted in the application, which generally would be within a year, however the Board will consider an extension if requested.

Does the entity applying for funding have to be a “Not for Profit” Organisation?

Yes. An Organisation applying for funding must be registered under the Charitable Trust Act 1957 or the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 and exempt from income tax.

Does the funding include GST?

No. All projects are to be priced GST exclusive

Where does the project or service need to be located?

Within our funding area of Canterbury, including areas south of Kaikōura and north of Ashburton.

For more information about our current granting focus and approach to funding, please see our full strategy for 2024-2026 here

Contact

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If you would like to apply for funding for your project helping the elderly, please fill in the form below, otherwise email us directly using the email address provided.

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