The George Mitchell Charitable Trust was established in 1930 by the Will of the late George Mitchell, of Christchurch. Public Trust was appointed Trustee by the court in 1998.
The purpose of the Trust is to pay income:
To organisations in the Canterbury geographical region who upon application to the Trustee shall satisfy him that their clients have a requirement for assistance from the Trust.
Moneys allocated to those organisations shall be used by them for the purposes of providing such assistance or benefits as those organisations shall from time to time decide to young women who have had their first child during a period of accommodation-based care provided or organised by those organisations. Any such assistance is to be provided at the time they leave such care.
The funds must be used for the direct benefit of young mothers that are transitioning from accommodation-based care to their own accommodation after having their first child.
It is envisaged that the funds will enable young women to access what they need for themselves or their child in their new home. Funds can be used for a broad range of purposes that include and are not limited to, household items, furniture, baby equipment or supplies, and household set up costs.
Funds will be granted to the applying charity who will hold the funds and distribute them to eligible women or assist them in making the required purchases.
Eligible organisations are those that provide or organise accommodation-based care for women having their first child. This includes services such as emergency, youth or transitional housing where clients receive wrap around support including social work support, parenting programmes, child therapy, whanau safety etc.
Applications must be from a registered charity.
Applications are open to organisations that are based in or supporting people within the Canterbury geographical region.
Applicants must supply a set of Financial Statements completed in line with the Reporting Standards set by Charities Services.
Applicants will be asked to indicate approximately how many women in their service meet the criteria each year and funds will be granted by the committee based on this.
The criteria for funding from this Trust is very specific and established by court order, we strongly encourage interested charities to speak to the Trustee before applying, using the contact details below.
Applications from the following will not be considered:
Retrospective funding
Applications from individuals.
The Trust will open for applications on 23 February and close on 31st March 2026.
In the first year a more comprehensive application will be required to become eligible to receive funds. In subsequent years funds will be granted annually as long as income is available, and the organisation has eligible women in their care.
If you have any questions please contact Public Trust Charities at [email protected] or phone 0800 371 471.