The Stout Trust / Perpetual Guardian
Annual philanthropic fund supporting NZ arts, culture, and natural heritage projects for registered charities, with grants typically ranging from $3,000–$62,000
The Stout Trust is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most sought-after philanthropic funds, managed by Perpetual Guardian. Established under the will of scientist and cultural enthusiast Dr John David Stout (1925–1982), the Trust supports projects that promote and preserve New Zealand's arts, cultural, and natural heritage — reflecting the broad interests of both John and his sister Dr Vida Stout.
The Trust distributes approximately $1,100,000 NZD each year, with individual grants ranging from around $3,000 to $62,000. There is no formal cap on the amount you can apply for, though the Trust encourages applicants to consider the total pool available. Applications are assessed in two tiers: those requesting $20,000 and under, and those requesting over $20,000.
Who can apply?
Your organisation must be based in New Zealand, be a registered charity (except for applications involving historic sites or buildings), have been operating for at least 12 months, and be able to provide annual accounts. Only one application per organisation per funding round is permitted, unless applying as an umbrella organisation on behalf of a non-registered group.
What does the Trust fund?
The Trust backs innovative, community-focused projects across arts and culture, conservation, and heritage. For arts applicants, works that will remain in public ownership — permanently on display or held in a gallery or museum collection — are looked upon more favourably. For conservation applicants, projects protecting native species and ecosystems (particularly on covenanted land) are preferred. Ongoing or annual programmes (such as regular exhibition series or pest-control operations) are unlikely to receive repeat funding.
What is excluded?
Projects outside New Zealand, completed projects, health and social service organisations, schools and scholarships, sports facilities, ongoing operating costs, debt repayment, and projects that could be self-funded by the applicant are all ineligible.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the Perpetual Guardian Funding Hub at https://perpetualguardian.fluxx.io. You will need to register for an account before applying. Applications typically open in July and close in August, with outcomes notified by the end of November. Funded activities must take place after 1 November of the year you apply.
Required documents include a project budget (PDF format) and your latest financial statements. Additional supporting materials such as conservation plans or letters of engagement are welcome.
Reporting is required annually via the Perpetual Guardian Funding Hub until your project is complete.
Viewed 2 times
