What is a legal entity?

A legal entity is an organisation that has its own legal identity, separate from its members.

Legal entity status includes:

incorporated societies
trusts registered under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957
limited liability companies registered with Charities Services
local authorities
school boards of trustees
Māori trust boards.

Being registered with Charities Services does not make an organisation a legal entity.

How much money can I request?

Grants over $10,000 can only be made to not-for-profit or charitable organisations with legal entity status. Make sure you've filled in the 'legal entity status' section of your Organisation profile in our online grants management system.

For any other funding limits, you will need to check the details for the type of grant you are requesting.