The Trust welcomes applications for funding, but these must be consistent with our “aims and purposes”, as detailed in the section on "Funding Criteria" (below).
The Trust has three Trustees, each of whom is appointed by one of the following organizations: Speech NZ, the University of Canterbury, and the New Zealand Schools Debating Council.
In the aftermath of World War One, Sir Evelyn Wrench – a British writer, traveler, and philanthropist – founded the English Speaking Union. As the ESU’s website explains, “Sir Evelyn felt that if the world was able to communicate more effectively, global understanding between nations would improve.” Learn more here: www.esu.org.
Branches were quickly established throughout the British Commonwealth (including New Zealand) and in the USA. In more recent years, the ESU has expanded its activities to include the many parts of the world where English is not a first language.
After flourishing for many decades, the Canterbury Branch of the English Speaking Union went into decline in the new millennium as its role became less relevant and as its core membership aged.
Due to the generosity and foresight of its members, the Canterbury Branch of the English Speaking Union had owned a quarter share in its premises, Elizabeth House (located at 6 Circuit Street, Merivale). This asset was sold and the money resulting from the quarter share was subsequently used to establish the Canterbury English Speaking Union Trust.
The Trust is therefore the legacy left by the members of the now-defunct branch. The long-standing and loyal membership of the Canterbury Branch of the English Speaking Union sincerely hoped the Trust would continue the work of the branch by promoting and supporting the English language (as spoken and used by Cantabrians).
IMAGE: Elizabeth House
The Canterbury English Speaking Union Trust was established 'to advance education by furthering knowledge of the English language and the art of communication and understanding between English-speaking peoples within New Zealand’ (Canterbury English Speaking Union Trust Deed, p.2). The charitable purposes of the Trust include, but are not limited to:
(Canterbury English Speaking Union Trust Deed, p. 2).
The Canterbury English Speaking Union Trust welcomes applications from any individual or organisation whose activities and projects are consistent with our aims (see "Funding Criteria" below).
Please note that the Trust is required to support activities and projects that are based in, or contribute to, the Canterbury region.
Grants will typically be for sums between $100 and $1,500, but applications for larger sums (up to $5,000) may also be considered.
It is best for applications to be submitted before either 1 March, 1 July, or 1 November, as the Trustees meet immediately after these dates to consider funding requests. Where appropriate, the Trustees will consider urgent appliations made outside these dates.
Applications are invited for projects and activities consistent with the aims and purposes of the Trust. As noted above, these include, but are not limited to:
(Canterbury English Speaking Union Trust Deed, p. 2).
"If the world was able to communicate more effectively, global understanding between nations would improve."
- Sir Evelyn Wrench
Applicants are encourage to complete the attached form and return this either electronically (haydenmhryan@gmail.com) or by post (c/ Mr H Ryan, PO Box 658, Christchurch 8140).
Applicants are welcome to contact the Trustees via e-mail with any questions about the form.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM: CESUT - Application for Funds.pdf
The Trustees
The Canterbury English Speaking Union Trust
Postal Address:
C/- Mr H Ryan
PO Box 658
Christchurch 8140
021 465 610
haydenmhryan@gmail.com
Registration Number: CC21927
