Welcome to
The Manchester Unity Welfare Trust Board
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
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
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
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 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?
When will we be notified if successful or not?
Can an individual apply for funding?
When are the funds paid out?
Can the funds be spread beyond a year?
Does the entity applying for funding have to be a “Not for Profit” Organisation?
Does the funding include GST?
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