John Ilott Charitable Trust
TRUST BACKGROUND AND ORGANISATION
This incorporated philanthropic charitable trust, with a capital base of approximately $3 million and making annual grants of $125,000-150,000, was settled in 1960 by Wellington businessman and philanthropist Sir John Ilott. After his death in 1973, management of the Trust passed to his son, Jack Ilott, who ran the Trust virtually single-handedly for more than 25 years.
A bachelor with no relatives in NZ, Jack reached an Agreement with the Rotary Club of Wellington (of which Sir John and Jack had both been Presidents) that after his [1999] death, the Rotary Club President, President-elect, and Immediate Past-President would serve as Ilott Trustees committed to implement the family’s vision.
This arrangement continues to this day, with the following 2011/12 officer-bearers of the Rotary Club of Wellington currently serving as Ilott Trustees:
James Austin; (RCW President) (Chair)
Hewitt Humphrey; (RCW President-elect)
Colleen Singleton; (RCW Immediate Past-President)
To minimise the potential discontinuity in governance caused by Trustees serving just one, three-year term, they are supported by an Advisory Committee of five senior Rotarians who may serve two, five-year terms. While the Trustees retain authority, the Advisory Committee investigates and makes recommendations to the Trustees on matters referred to it.
The Trustees have a duty to grow Trust capital to increase income available for philanthropic use. To this end, the Trust currently uses Craigs Investment Partners to actively manage the $3 million investment portfolio within guidelines set by the Trustees.
While advised by the Funds Manager and a skilled Treasurer (also a Rotarian), the Trustees are ultimately accountable for financial oversight.
Information for potential applicants:
- The Trust’s grants criteria are set out in the attached Brochure. (Also note that the Trust only supports New Zealand-based projects and/or individuals.)
- New this year, applicants must use the attached 2011 Application Form.
- Please note that applications are processed only between 1 October and 10 November. Those received prior to October 1 are set aside and not reviewed until that time-frame.
Download Brochure (PDF 518Kb)
Download 2011 Application Form (PDF 86Kb)
Download List of Grants made by the Trust in 2010
Sept 2011