Home - Manchester Unity Welfare Trust Board

Organisations

Grants Provided

$2.5M+ in Funding Provided

Originally Founded

About

We provide financial assistance via Annual Grants to Registered Charities 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 or the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 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 188 grants to 42 organisations with a total funding (to date: March 2026) of over $2.5 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 2026 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.

Our Stories

Age Concern Ashburton

Thank You Manchester Unity! As we age and lose our social connections, the ability to form new friendships becomes harder. Loneliness and sadness can, and do, become a reality for many older people in our communities.

Learn More

Belfast Community Network

The BCN’s older adults programme, BASS (Belfast Active Senior Support), provides a weekly community lunch which includes guest speakers and activities, weekly grocery shopping, a holiday programme, and various outings.

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The Catholic Women’s League

The grant we received from Manchester Unity Welfare Trust Board, has been used to bring company and enjoyment to the elderly and housebound in the parish, by a very enjoyable bus trip, and a lovely Christmas themed luncheon

Learn More

Christchurch Methodist Mission

coming soon…

Learn More

Read All

Frequently Asked Questions

When can we apply for a Grant?

The Grant process commences in March. Applications close at the end of April.

Can an individual apply for funding?

No. All applications must be from organisations that meet the criteria as set out on the application form.

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 funding include GST?

No. All projects are to be priced GST exclusive

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

When are the funds paid out?

Grants are generally paid by the end of June or early July.

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 or the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and exempt from income tax.

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

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.

Wesleycare

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

The Christchurch Star

Contact us

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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