Established in 1940 by the late Rotarian Sir John McKenzie, the Trust makes grants to charitable organisations assisting people who have special needs (such as disabilities) or face disadvantages (such as poverty, youth at risk etc). Applicants are usually incorporated societies or charitable trusts; they can be recommended by Rotary Clubs although the Trust cannot be used as a back stop for Club community projects. One application is granted per organisation per year. As a tribute to Rotary, the Founder ensured that Rotary would play an important part in the administration of the Trust. The Board of Trustees includes the six Chairmen of the District Committees which assess local applications, and eight Trustees, including the Chairperson, who are nominated or appointed because of their knowledge of the community health and social sectors. Grants are not made: for capital expenditure on land or buildings, to individuals, to schools or pre-schools, to rest homes or hospitals. The Trust is also keen to support new and creative approaches to social problems In this regard, an “innovative” grant has been developed. To warrant support for this particular grant, a project should be new, imaginative and creative. It may be a ‘pilot’ which could subsequently be repeated. It may focus attention on an area of need that is poorly provided for. Grants made for
an applicaiton which meets the Innovative Fund’s criteria may exceed the amount that would, normally,
be approved for a conventional regional grant.
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