Grants and Funding | WEL Energy Trust

Main Types of Grants Available

We want to hear from not-for-profit organisations committed to delivering projects or initiatives that will enhance the lives of people in our community. Whether your project needs quick support or substantial funding, we have options to help. (If you're a first-time grant applicant, we recommend contacting the Trust before you begin your application.)

Quick Response Grants

These grants are designed to provide a 'quick response' to a range of grassroots organisations, to provide the support required to get a project or idea moving, or to give a helping hand when needed.

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Community Support Grants

Community Support grants are designed to provide operational and other support to organisations working with others to make a measurable impact in our region.

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Key Eligibility Criteria

Before making an application to the Trust, please check that your organisation:

Key Eligibility Criteria

Before making an application to the Trust, Please check that your organisation:

Is a Not For Profit organisation

Operates or provides benefit within the boundaries of the WEL Networks supply area

Has been established for at least 12 months

Funding Priorities

We want to support projects that create positive impact and align with our strategy. Here's what we prioritise:

Thriving Community

Hapori Taurikura - Opportunities are supported that bring people together to participate in health and wellbeing, sports and recreation, arts and culture, and to celebrate the diversity of our community.

Healthy Environment

He Taiao Hauora - Our taiao is healthy through prioritising waste minimisation, environmental education and locally-led initiatives.

Equitable Outcomes

Ngaa Hua Matatika - Equitable outcomes are enabled with a focus on tamariki, rangatahi, housing and education.

Maaori Aspirations

Ngaa Wawata o te Maaori - Local Maaori culture and knowledge is understood, respected and valued as part of our kaupapa.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

We embrace the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through partnering with local iwi, hapuu, whaanau and Maaori. We are committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to achieve the greatest outcomes for all, through meaningful engagement with tangata whenua.

Working Collaboratively

We work together with people and communities to achieve our Vision for the Waikato.

Equity & Equality

We work with others to enable a just and fair community where everyone can participate and prosper.

There are some things the Trust is not able to fund

We cannot provide grants for:

Applications from outside the WEL Energy region (see map below), unless there is evidence of significant benefit to communities within the WEL region

Individuals or commercial organisations

Projects that have already been completed by the date of grant notification

Loan repayments or guarantee assistance to applicants

Projects that may create a conflict of interest for the Trust or WEL Networks Ltd

Travel outside of the WEL region (but may make an exception for travel to events of national/international significance)

Projects that target Central/Local Government's core areas of responsibility

Lobby groups, eg, ratepayer/resident groups

Organisations with an overdue accountability report for previous funding received

Organisations that have already received a grant in the same calendar year