Introduction
The Frozen Funds Charitable Trust is a New Zealand-based charitable trust that provides grants for projects led by, and benefiting, people who use or have used mental health and intellectual disability services. The Trust focuses on empowering service users through community-based initiatives, advocacy, leadership development, and social inclusion programs.
Administered by Public Trust New Zealand, the Frozen Funds Charitable Trust plays an important role in supporting grassroots projects that strengthen independence, participation, and wellbeing within mental health and disability communities.
History and Background
The origins of the Frozen Funds Charitable Trust date back to the 1970s and 1980s in New Zealand psychiatric and psychopaedic hospitals.
At that time, interest earned on patients’ welfare benefits held in hospital trust accounts became known as “Frozen Funds.” These funds were used by institutions for recreational activities and related purposes. In 1987, the practice ended, and the government initiated efforts to return the accumulated interest to rightful owners.
During the early 1990s, more than half of the money was successfully returned. The remaining unclaimed balance was later directed toward creating a charitable trust intended to benefit individuals who use mental health and intellectual disability services.
The Trust was officially established to ensure that these resources continued to support vulnerable communities through grants and community-focused programs.
Mission and Purpose
The mission of the Frozen Funds Charitable Trust is to support projects that are:
- Run by people with lived experience of mental health or intellectual disability services
- Designed for the direct benefit of these communities
- Focused on empowerment, advocacy, inclusion, and personal development
The Trust aims to:
- Strengthen self-advocacy and leadership
- Promote independence and supported decision-making
- Encourage community participation and social inclusion
- Support service-user-led organizations and initiatives
- Improve wellbeing and quality of life for individuals with lived experience
A key principle of the Trust is that projects should be led by people who understand these challenges firsthand through lived experience.
Governance and Structure
The Frozen Funds Charitable Trust is administered by Public Trust NZ, one of New Zealand’s oldest trustee organizations, established in 1873.
Board Structure
The Trust Board consists of seven members representing both the mental health and intellectual disability sectors across New Zealand.
Board responsibilities include:
- Reviewing grant applications
- Approving funding decisions
- Ensuring alignment with Trust objectives
- Maintaining accountability and transparency
The administration and investment management services are handled by Public Trust.
Funding and Grants
The Frozen Funds Charitable Trust operates annual grant rounds that provide financial support to charitable organizations and service-user-led projects.
Grant Funding Areas
Funding typically supports:
- Advocacy initiatives
- Leadership development
- Workforce development
- Arts and cultural projects
- Community education programs
- Research related to mental health and intellectual disability
- Self-advocacy initiatives
For the 2026 funding round, the Trust introduced the theme:
“Building Capability, Choice, and Supported Decision-Making”
This theme focuses on increasing independence, confidence, and decision-making power among individuals using mental health and disability services.
Funding Amounts
- Standard grants: Up to NZD $10,000 per project
- Special leadership grants: NZD $10,000
Applications are generally open annually from May to July.
Major Programs and Initiatives
The Frozen Funds Charitable Trust supports several important areas of community development.
Service User-Led Projects
Projects must be directed by people with lived experience in mental health or intellectual disability services.
Advocacy and Leadership Programs
The Trust strongly supports self-advocacy and leadership training initiatives that empower individuals to participate in policy discussions and community decision-making.
Sir Robert Martin Leadership Grant
One of the Trust’s most recognized initiatives is the Sir Robert Martin Leadership Grant, named after Sir Robert Martin, a globally respected disability rights advocate and former board member of the Trust.
The grant supports:
- Leadership development
- Advocacy participation
- Professional growth opportunities
- Conference attendance
- Self-advocacy projects for individuals with learning disabilities
Research and Community Development
The Trust also supports projects related to:
- Mental health awareness
- Community education
- Inclusion initiatives
- Service-user research programs
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Since its establishment, the Frozen Funds Charitable Trust has funded numerous initiatives supporting mental health and intellectual disability communities across New Zealand.
Key Areas of Impact
Community Empowerment
The Trust has helped individuals with lived experience become leaders, advocates, and active participants in community development.
Advocacy and Rights
Funding has supported projects promoting disability rights, inclusion, and independent decision-making.
Education and Awareness
Projects funded by the Trust have increased public awareness around mental health and intellectual disability issues.
Cultural and Creative Programs
The Trust has supported arts and cultural initiatives that encourage self-expression and social participation.
Long-Term Contribution
The Trust represents a unique model where historical institutional funds were redirected to support future empowerment and community wellbeing.
Its funding approach prioritizes grassroots leadership and lived experience, helping create stronger and more inclusive communities.
Conclusion
The Frozen Funds Charitable Trust is an important charitable initiative in New Zealand dedicated to supporting people with lived experience of mental health and intellectual disability services. Through grants, leadership development, advocacy support, and community initiatives, the Trust promotes empowerment, inclusion, and independence.
By focusing on projects led by service users themselves, the Trust ensures that funding directly supports meaningful and community-driven change. Its continued work contributes to stronger advocacy, improved wellbeing, and greater participation for mental health and disability communities across New Zealand.
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