Grant Application Instructions

Acknowledgment of Applications

• All grant applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.
• Acknowledgment does not imply acceptance or approval.

Large Grants (≥ $50,000)

• Annual Funding Round: Only considered once a year, typically at the August meeting.
• Deadline: Must be received by 15 July.
• Funding Disbursement: Successful applicants can typically expect a decision by 15 October and may begin receiving funds from October of the same year, with flexibility for a later date if needed.

Research Grants

• Annual Funding Round: Only considered once a year, typically at the August meeting.
• Deadline: Must be received by 15 July.
• Funding Disbursement: Successful applicants can typically expect a decision by 15 October and may begin receiving funds from October of the same year, with flexibility for a later date if needed.

Smaller Grants (< $50,000)

• Rolling Submissions: Accepted year-round and reviewed at each Trust meeting (typically held quarterly).

Additional Guidance

• Presentation Opportunities (Large/Research): The Trust may invite certain applicants to present their proposals at the August meeting, subject to time constraints and the number of applications received.
• Notification: Applicants are generally notified of outcomes within three months of their application being considered by the Trustees.  Please note that Smaller Grants (under $50,000) are reviewed at each quarterly meeting, while Large and Research Grants (≥ $50,000) are only reviewed annually at the August meeting. (no guarantee is given that timeframes will be met).
  • Urgent Requests: If an urgent decision is required, please include a covering letter explaining why.
• Attachments: Include all relevant attachments as specified in Part 6 of the application form.
• Initialling: If scanning and emailing, or posting, a printed version of the form each page of the printed Application Form (4 pages) must be initialled by the person signing on behalf of the applicant.
• Alignment with Trust Priorities: Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate how their proposal aligns with the priorities of the Sir Thomas & Lady Duncan Trust:
  • Purpose: To improve the health and/or quality of life for those suffering from neuromuscular disease, particularly those not supported by mainstream health funding or organisations.
  • Mission: The Sir Thomas & Lady Duncan Trust seeks to become a potent philanthropic organisation in the field of neuromuscular disorders by providing funding to:
    • Assist and relieve persons in New Zealand suffering from neuromuscular disorders and the after-effects of such disorders
    • Maintain hospitals, clinics, homes, and equipment where persons suffering from neuromuscular disorders may obtain treatment
    • Assist the work of any institution, society, or body of persons in New Zealand engaged in the investigation of neuromuscular disorders and associated treatments
    • Contribute toward training persons to undertake the treatment of neuromuscular disorders
• Grant Conditions: The Trust may attach specific conditions to any approved grant.
• Accountability Reporting: The Trust may require successful applicants to provide a report or reports and/or a presentation to the Trust in the year or years after a grant is made to inform the Trust of the progress and success of the project or purpose.