Central Energy Trust: Community Grants under $5,000

Central Energy Trust: Community Grants under $5,000

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Central Energy Trust
Amount: Up to US $5,000
Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Summary

The Central Energy Trust offers community grants up to $5,000 for energy-related projects in the Manawatu/Tararua regions. These grants aim to benefit local community organizations, including cultural, educational, and health initiatives. Eligible projects must promote energy conservation or support business growth. Notably, funding cannot cover annual electricity costs or short-life electronic equipment unless part of a broader energy project. This initiative reflects the Trust's commitment to enhancing energy efficiency and supporting community development.

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 (see map). Community Grants 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.

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.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.The Trustees will have regard to the level of the applicants contributions to the costs of the project for which funding is sought and may allocate a lesser amount than requested to ensure some grantee contribution.

Ineligibility

Unfortunately, this cannot be applied towards funding one's annual electricity costs.Applications to fund computers, photocopiers, data projectors and other short life electronic equipment will not be accepted unless they are an integral part of an overall energy related project.