The Fifeshire Foundation considers applications for help, from people who are in hardship and domestic crisis. Please read below about our application process and the types of things we fund and cannot fund.
We also consider applications from agencies that support local people in crisis. Below you’ll find more information for organisations who wish to apply to the Fifeshire Foundation.
Grant applications received through the month are reviewed by the trustees at their monthly Applications Committee meetings and applicants are advised of the outcome after this meeting. The deadline for applications is the end of each month.
If you would like to apply online, click on the button below. You may find it helpful to read the application form first and gather together the information required before you start filling it in. Please also see our Guidelines.
Our preference is for you to apply online if at all possible as this reduces our staff admin time significantly, allowing us to focus on other important work. If you are not able to apply online and require a printed application, you can download the form or collect one in person from Fifeshire House.
Please describe the situation or crisis as much as you feel able to. Applications are strictly confidential because we know this information may be sensitive. You can view our Privacy, Confidentiality and Storage of Information Policy here.
Applications will be considered in accordance with our Conflict of Interest Policy.
Describe the current circumstances, including the number and ages of members of the household. Please note any other relevant factors such as health, special needs, housing, work or debts. Applications that have more detail and all sections fully filled out are more likely to be reviewed on time.
Before applying, please ensure you have explored and exhausted all other funding options including Work and Income entitlements. If you are receiving a benefit from Work and Income, tell us if you have an outstanding debt to them and what your weekly repayments are. You can either provide a copy of your benefit breakdown summary letter or a copy of your benefit summary and debt summary printouts from your MyMSD online account. Also confirm that no Work and Income grants or advances are available.
Applicants need two support people to apply. This can be a budget advisor, a Work and Income advisor, a support/social worker, a doctor or nurse, or a minister, employer, lawyer, teacher or principal. We do not accept family or friends as support people.
If you are applying with the print application, send it to your support people after you have filled out your part and they can complete it and return it to you. This includes their signatures.
We require all applications from individuals to include a budget worksheet, signed by a budget adviser. If you are unable to provide this you will need to put your explanation on your application form, and you will need to provide verification of household income and expenses.
For applications being submitted by an agency/organisation we require a signed budget worksheet if the application is over $500.
Your application will be returned if this information is missing. Please include full information and quotes so that the Trustees are able to make an informed decision, and so we are able to quickly make a payment if your grant is successful. We do not need quotes for firewood.
If you require support to complete your application please contact us for who is best to help in your area. Some agencies who can assist:
-Citizens Advice Bureau
-Salvation Army
-Saint Vincent de Paul Society
-Te Korowai Trust
-Te Piki Oranga
-Mohua Social Services
-Family Start
-Whakatū Marae
-Motueka Family Service Centre
For immediate support with a food parcel contact
Nelson Community Food Bank
We are very pleased to renew a valuable partnership with the Manuka Street Charitable Trust, which recently donated $30,000 to the Foundation to provide surgery for people unable to access other support. Thanks to the Trust’s generosity Fifeshire Foundation will be able once again to give life-changing help to some members of our community. Access to the charity surgery funding is supported by our local GPs, so if you, or somebody you know, thinks you may be eligible please mention it to your doctor. The application form can be found in the link below:
In 2023 we assisted 161 families with a winter grant. We are offering Winter Grants again for 2024. These are provided to keep whanau warm over winter with a load of firewood or a grant towards their power bill. Nominations for Winter Grants are not publicised as they must be submitted via an agency or organisation. Please contact us for further information.
If you would like to donate to our winter grants scheme please visit our donate page.
All additional application supporting information can be emailed to us at info@fifeshirefoundation.co.nz. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss your application.
Return the completed Application Form by the end of the month to the Fifeshire Foundation using the online application form, by email to info@fifeshirefoundation.co.nz or drop hardcopy applications in to Fifeshire House, Trafalgar Square, Nelson or post to
Fifeshire Foundation
328 Trafalgar Square, Nelson (Mediaworks building)
Applications are considered at the following months meeting with Trustees - these are held on the second Friday of each month. The week after the meeting we'll be in touch with the contact person about the decision.
We can consider applications for a wide range of items for both adults and children, such as clothes, shoes, glasses, driving lessons, photo IDs, and licence fees.
We fund household needs such as food (we provide Countdown cards), firewood, furniture, linens, vacuum cleaners, skips, baby gear, heaters, fridges and washing machines.
Critical bills such as bond, rent, power bills, water bills, or cellphones that are needed for safety reasons.
If you are asking for help with critical bills, you must attach a current bill from your supplier. We may recommend people arrange regular payments to these companies.
Important travel or transport, driving lessons or test fees, baby buggies, car seats, bicycles or bike seats.
GP bills, simple dental work (such as fillings/extractions) for pain relief, counselling, disability and health aids.
Uniforms, camps and holiday programmes, car seats, prams, cots, baby gear, and bicycles.
We do not fund people who are not in hardship and domestic crisis. This is why applications must state household income or benefit levels, number and age of dependents, and other relevant factors.
We may pay for vehicle repairs only under exceptional circumstances such as when there is a legal requirement or to start work or study.
Include any quotes, bills or accounts related to the application so we can make an informed decision and make payments quickly if the application is successful. Applicants that have not included the requested information will be asked to provide what’s missing and this could delay the review of your application.
This could be a school camp that has already finished, or an account that has already been paid. We do, however, help with bills that are overdue or in arrears.
Organisations that support people in financial and/or domestic hardship can apply for funding. Please provide two signatures from your organisation and a copy of your most recent financial statements, along with your application.
We do not pay for operational costs for organisational applicants. This includes rent, power, wages, telephone, and office equipment. We are looking to provide support directly to your customers who may be in crisis or hardship. Application form link
