Introduction
The New Zealand Communities Growth Trust was established by High Court Order in March 2000. It is a reformation of the former Centrepoint Community Growth Trust, which established and operated an intentional community in Albany from the late 1970s to the 1990s.
The High Court appointed Public Trust as Trustee and provided for charitable grants to be made under four separate categories. This category is for the New Zealand Communities Growth Trust (NZCGT) Education Scholarship. Please see here for the other categories.
Scholarships will be awarded to a maximum of $10,000 per person.
Applications are open every year. Accessible links will be provided on this webpage while applications are open. From 2027 onwards, the Scholarship Grant Round will be held earlier in the year, likely around September. Further details and timelines will be communicated on this webpage in due course.
For individuals who have been disadvantaged by religious cults and/or spiritual communities and in particular past residents of the Centrepoint community in Albany and their children. Also, those disadvantaged by a religious cult of spiritual community wishing to study in the areas of counselling and education and studying in areas that may not directly support the objectives of the Trust but are consistent with them. The relevant clauses in the Trust Deed are as follows:
2 (a) To support the provision of educational opportunities for the development of work and life skills consistent with the purposes of the Trust.
2 (b) To provide scholarships or grants to enable selected participants to increase their knowledge or experience consistent with the objects of the Trust including scholarships or grants for research on the establishment and operation of spiritual communities and/or cults.
Scholarship Terms and Conditions:
The following terms and conditions apply:
The course of study must be delivered by a recognised Tertiary provider and must be at least 1 year in duration.
You must be commencing the course the subsequent year to the application date.
In most instances, payment will be made direct to the education provider on proof/confirmation of enrolment. If you require part of the payment to allow you to purchase books, accommodation, computer or travel, this will need to be broken down and clearly shown in your application.
Application Requirements
The application form is to be completed and submitted via Public Trust online Granting System.
A certified copy of your birth certificate, passport or citizenship certificate is required.
Full course details including annual cost are to be provided.
The application is to be supported by at least one reference.
Past academic records and/or other achievements are to be provided where possible.
Special consideration will be given to applicants who have shown a high level of academic achievement and who through personal or family circumstances would suffer financial hardship by undertaking Tertiary education.
The value of the Scholarship may differ from year to year and may also differ between applicants.
Each scholarship will be awarded for one academic year only and is not automatically renewable. Recipients are welcome to submit a new application in future scholarship rounds, subject to the eligibility criteria and funding availability at that time.
The Trustee reserves the right to withhold the payment of any amounts due under the Scholarship in the event of the misconduct of any person holding the Scholarship.