The Partnership Fund is open once per financial year and the following dates apply for 2027. 
It is a two-stage process: -

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

EOI Opens: Monday, 6 July 2026 and closes: Monday, 3 August 2026

Review by Grants Advisory Committee: Monday, 14 September 2026

Following the review, applicants will be notified whether they have been shortlisted to progress to the next stage.

Stage 2: Full Application

Full Application Opens: Monday, 5 October 2026 and closes: Monday, 2 November 2026

Final Decision (Trustee Board Meeting): Friday, 29 January 2027

Notification of final outcome will be the following week. 

Different questions will be asked at the EOI stage and Full Application stage.   However, it is important to start gathering all information early to ensure you can meet the requirements and deadlines. No exceptions will be permitted. 

Note - if applying for a capital works project, the project must be close to "shovel ready" within twelve months. 

You will require: -

• All questions to be answered in our grants management portal.
• A current bank deposit slip.
• Signed resolution (signed by two authorised signatories).
• A clearly defined budget, if you are applying for operations or project / programmes
• Quotes (two are required) if undertaking capital works
• Letters of support demonstrating community partnership and collaboration 
• Most recent set of Annual Accounts
• Any other information that enables us to make an informed decision about your application.

Payment will be made in February 2028, directly to your charitable organisations bank account, when all conditions of grant approval have been met. 

Organisations that receive a grant must report on how the money was spent and the outcomes they delivered within 12 months of receiving payment. 

These reports ensure that a grant is spent efficiently and effectively on the purpose intended in the application submitted. They also allow us to measure successes in line with ECCTs strategic objectives and outcomes.
 
The post grant accountability report is found in the Fluxx grant portal.

• Individuals.
• Travel overseas or outside of our region.
• Conference attendance or accommodation.
• Projects that will benefit for-profit businesses or commercial enterprises – except for social enterprises.
• Affiliation or membership fees.
• Retrospective expenses, on completed projects or events. 
• Uniforms, equipment, or assets that will not remain as your property.  
• Prizes, trophies, and awards ceremonies.
• Venture capital.  
• Endowments.  
• Alcohol and similar substances (e.g., kava).
• Industry, commercial or professional network groups.
• Corporate social clubs
• Research including large scale research plans, feasibility studies for capital project and health research.
• Vehicles which are for a single purpose. 
• Political and religious objectives
• For more information on eligibility, please refer to this page.