Community Funding
Our Funding Approach
The Joan Fernie Charitable Trust believes in collaborative partnerships and sustainable impact. Our funding decisions are guided by seven core principles that reflect our agricultural heritage and commitment to community wellbeing.
Funding Approach
Our Funding Principles
The Trust’s funding decisions will be guided by the following principles:
Alignment with Purpose
Funding will support initiatives that align with the Trust’s charitable objectives and contribute to the wellbeing of Hawke’s Bay communities.
Community Benefit
Initiatives must demonstrate clear benefits to Hawke’s Bay communities.
Agricultural Alignment
Priority given to initiatives that connect with the Trust’s farming heritage and support the development and sustainability of the primary sector.
Sustainability
Preference will be given to initiatives with long-term viability and sustainable outcomes.
Partnership
The Trust values collaborative approaches, including partnerships with other funders, iwi, hapū, community organisations, educational institutions, and healthcare providers.
Equity and Inclusion
The Trust is committed to supporting diverse communities, particularly those who are underrepresented or face barriers to participation.
Area of Operation
Priority consideration will be given to initiatives that benefit communities located close to the Trust’s farming operations.
Funding Approach
Priority Funding Areas
All eligible applications will be considered, with priority given to initiatives that contribute to one or more of the following priority funding areas.
Community Development
- Initiatives that strengthen rural community cohesion, leadership, and capacity.
- Support for rural infrastructure and services that enhance community resilience
- Initiatives that will enhance or improve the community of Hawke’s Bay, including addressing rural-specific challenges.
- Support for vulnerable or disadvantaged groups to ensure equitable access to services and opportunities, particularly in rural and farming communities.
Education & Skills Development
- By providing scholarships, bursaries and awards which may lead to becoming future land managers, primary sector workers, and rural leaders.
- By providing support for rural schools and educational initiatives that prepare students for careers in agriculture and related industries.
- Skills development programs for existing farmers and agricultural workers.
- By advancing the education of students attending rural and/or low-decile schools by providing educational equipment and resources.
Sustainable Agriculture & Environment
- Initiatives promoting sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship.
- Research and development projects focused on agricultural innovation and sustainability.
- Programmes supporting climate resilience in farming communities.
- Environmental restoration projects on rural land.
Health & Wellbeing
- Initiatives that enhance physical, mental, and social health outcomes, including improved healthcare access, particularly in rural and farming communities.
Community Funding
Apply Now
We encourage all eligible organisations working to strengthen Hawke’s Bay communities to consider applying for funding.
Whether you’re developing educational programmes, supporting rural infrastructure, advancing sustainable agriculture, or improving health and wellbeing outcomes, we want to hear from you.
Community Funding
Apply for Funding
Who can apply
To be eligible for funding, you must:
- Be a registered charity, not-for-profit organisation, or educational institution
- Operate within Hawke’s Bay or deliver services that directly benefit the region
- Demonstrate sound governance and financial management
- Be able to submit a complete application with all required documentation.
Application process
Annual Funding Rounds
We typically hold funding rounds annually, with dates advertised publicly on our website and through community networks. For the 2025-26 annual funding round, applications open on 1 October and close on 30 November 2025.
Required Documentation
- Completed application form available online here, including:
- Detailed project proposal outlining expected outcomes
- Comprehensive budget showing income and expenditure
- Governance structure and key personnel information
- Recent financial statements
- Letters of support (where applicable)
Assessment
Applications are reviewed by our Funding Committee, comprised of JFCT trustees who may engage external advisors with community funding expertise. We assess applications based on alignment with our purpose, demonstrated community benefit, project feasibility, organisational capability, and financial accountability.
What we don’t fund
As a general rule, the Joan Fernie Charitable Trust does not provide funding for political or lobbying activities, retrospective funding for completed projects, or debt repayment and legal expenses.
Next steps
- Review our detailed Funding Policy to ensure your project aligns with our priorities
- Watch for our annual funding round announcements
- Prepare your application materials in advance
- Submit your complete application by the stated deadline
For questions about funding opportunities or the application process, please email funding@jfct.org.nz
Ready to apply?
If you are ready to apply, please fill out our online application form.