The following text was the content of the annual publication of approved and declined grants for 2007/2008 and availability of net proceeds published in the Sunday Star Times, 27 July 2008.

A message from the Foundation 

The Trusts Charitable Foundation Inc (TTCF) is required to publicise the annual summary of funds distributed to New Zealand communities for the period 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008. 

I am pleased to advise that TTCF distributed a total of $22,207,394.00 to a variety of non-profit, charitable, philanthropic, cultural, sporting, educational and community groups who provide a benefit to the community throughout New Zealand.

This amount represents a return of 50.9 percent on the Trust's total revenue and is a repeat performance on previous years.  It yet again ensures that TTCF continues to out-perform its industry competitors.  The minimum statutory requirement of return is 37.12% and so while many other gaming societies choose not to publicise their percentage return to the community - we are proud to do so.

A significant factor in achieving this result is that TTCF's five Trustees remain committed to ensuring the adopted business model is efficient and the associated costs of operating the Foundation's business are therefore minimised.  In other words, TTCF spends less money on itself.

TTCF's financial performance and governance is a significant factor as to why it continues to enjoy the support of and the relationship with Elected Members of Licensing Trusts, the TAB and an ever increasing number of private venue operators who have chosen TTCF to operate the gaming machines at their venues.

I wish to acknowledge the work and efforts of those Elected Members of our member Licensing Trusts, who greatly assist TTCF in ensuring that all of the funds raised at their Licensing Trust venues are returned to and make a huge difference in their respective communities.

I would also like to acknowledge the huge amount of work and effort of managment and their staff at all of our member Licensing Trusts, TAB's and private venues.

Malcolm McElrea
CHAIRMAN

ACCESSING GAMING MACHINE GRANT FORMS

• Funds generated from gaming machine activities are available to non-profit, charitable, philanthropic, cultural, sporting, educational and community groups who provide a benefit to the community.
• Funds are generally distributed in the community area in which they were generated.  Funds from TAB outlets are generally applied to Authorised Purposes that relate to racing including the Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhound codes.
• The Trusts Charitable Foundation is unique in the fact that its venues consist of Licensing Trusts, privately owned hotels and taverns, TAB's and some sports clubs.  Most other national trusts consist only of private operators.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Applicants can visit a hotel, TAB or Licensing Trust venue that operates Gaming Machines and uplift an Application for Funding form, which can be found in a holder in the gaming room area.
• Forms can also be requested from the Foundation, or downloaded from the Foundation's website www.ttcf.org.nz.  Details are posted on a wall inside the gaming room.
• The Foundation currently holds 11 funding rounds per annum and the close off dates for each round are strictly adhered to. We strongly advise that Applicants check these dates against their project needs.  
• The application form contains a checklist of information and documents that must be included with the application in order for the application to be considered.  Failure to provide all the information and any document requested usually results in the application being returned to the applicant, unconsidered and with a request for further information.  This leads to delays.
• Completed application forms and associated documentation, must then be posted to the Foundation at the address printed on the application form.
• On receipt, applications are checked for completeness and compliance. Trustees of the Foundation then consider each application on a monthly or regular basis.
• An application will usually take up to six weeks to be processed.
• After applications are considered by TTCF Trustees, applicants are notified in writing of the decision or if further information is required.
  

Applicants should be aware that the ultimate decision on funding rests with the Foundation's Grants Committee.  There are no guarantees that the full amount of the application will be granted or that the application will be supported at all.

If you are a successful applicant, you must only spend the funds on the purpose for which they were applied for.  If that purpose changes in any way or if there are surplus funds, you must immediately notify the Foundation in writing and wait for a written response from the Foundation before spending or otherwise using the funds.

Applicants are required to provide proper accountability to the Foundation once the funds have been spent. Such documents shall include, but not be limited to, receipts, tax invoices and copies of bank statements. 

Applicants may also be required to undergo an audit to ensure they have fully complied with the terms and conditions under which the funds were provided. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in a demand for a return of the funds and/or all future funding applications being declined.

The Foundation is required to use best endeavours to pursue the recovery of funds that have not been spent in accordance with the purpose for which they are given.

Any complaints should be directed in writing to;

Complaints Officer Board of Trustees
The Trusts Charitable Foundation Inc
PO Box 83
LEVIN 

All complaints will be acknowledged.


The processes outlined above, represent the results of the society's annual review of criteria, methods, systems and policies.