Central Energy Trust: Community Grant

Central Energy Trust: Community Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Central Energy Trust
Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Summary

The Central Energy Trust offers community grants aimed at supporting energy-related projects in the Manawatu and Tararua regions. These grants assist various organizations, including those in sports, education, culture, and health. The Trust prioritizes funding for projects that benefit the community or promote energy conservation. Notably, the most common grants are for energy-efficient appliances and event-related costs. Eligibility includes being within the former CentralPower catchment area and demonstrating community benefit.

Overview

About the Central Energy Trust The Central Energy Trust was created on the establishment of CentralPower Limited in 1993. Originally its only substantial asset was a shareholding in CentralPower Limited. In 2001 the Trust realised its interest in the company when Powerco merged with CentralPower Limited, and became the controlling entity. The capital fund arising from the sell down has been invested in fixed interest securities and equities, and the resultant income is available for distribution. The Trustees have the discretion to consider the allocation of funds for projects which are energy related and which will benefit the consumers' of the former CentralPower / ElectroPower energy companies Community Grants Helping fund energy related community, sporting, educational, cultural and health projects in the Manawatu and Tararua regions. The Central Energy Trust provides grants to community, sporting, educational, cultural and health organisations within the Manawatu/Tararua regions for projects which are energy-related and which will benefit the consumer's of the former CentralPower/ElectroPower energy companies. Currently the most awarded projects are for purchase and installation of heat pumps, energy relate appliances and energy related event funding for example sound and lighting costs.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Trustees in exercising their absolute discretion under the Trust Deed will consider energy related grants with the following criteria:  The project is in the former CentralPower catchment Manawatu/Tararua area (See map).The project will be of benefit to the community; or The project will assist business growth and economic development within the community; or The project will promote energy conservation;Applicants must supply a copy of documentation confirming Charitable registration.

Ineligibility

Applications to fund computers, data projectors and other short life electronic equipment will not be accepted unless they are an integral part of an overall energy related project.Can we apply for funding for our annual electricity costs?Unfortunately not, this does not meet with the Trusts guidelines.