Grants application process to go online

Shareholders and their beneficiaries applying to Te Āti Hau Trust for an education grant, general grant or scholarship can expect a more streamlined process in the future.

“We have been listening to feedback from applicants, stakeholders, and staff about how we can improve the current system, and create a more efficient process,” says Trust Chair Keria Ponga.

The Trust is currently working with a web developer to allow applicants to complete the process online, and the proposed changes will take advantage of technology to bring the application process into the 21st century.

A significant piece of work, which has been led by Independent Trustee Jessica Smith, will see a total overhaul of all application forms, processing systems, approvals and payment procedures, and external communications.

”Our strategic approach this year is to phase-in a number of key changes that will transform the Te Āti Hau Trust experience,” says Jessica. “We want to improve the value we give to our people by improving how they apply for support.”

The changes will be implemented in three phases, she adds.

“Phase one has already been completed with the redesign of our forms to ensure they are fit for purpose for our people. The new look and feel includes colour coded forms that are tailored to the funding category required.

“Phase two will be to launch our website to increase visibility about Trust activities, provide easy navigation to our grants information, and to enable people to share their stories.

“Phase three will see all grant applications being made online by the end of 2019 along with the implementation of a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. This will support processing and payment of applications and to improve the information we hold about our people so that we can provide more meaningful support to whānau in future.”

For kaumātua and others who may not be online or who are not technologically savvy, paper application forms will still be available and accepted by the Trust.