Frequently asked questions
What does the Genesis School-gen Trust do?
The Genesis School-gen Trust gifts equipment to schools that will help grow their students understanding and interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and renewable energy.
Why does the Trust exist?
Our kids need to be critical thinkers and innovators to meet the social, environmental and economic challenges coming their way. To learn these skills, they need the right resources at school – and that is what the Trust aims to do.
Why don’t you support the Arts – STEAM?
While the Trust recognises the importance of arts and creativity – we believe we can make a difference by focussing our attention on STEM equipment specifically. We understand this falls within a diverse curriculum which fosters creativity in our tamariki.
Shouldn’t the government be paying for this type of equipment?
School funding is a highly debatable subject and it is not the intent of the Trust to enter this debate. The Trust has been set up in response to teachers voicing the need for more appropriate equipment and resources to teach STEM. The Trust, along with Genesis and other supporters, wants to play a part in meeting that need.
Why is Genesis backing the Trust?
Through Genesis’ STEM and renewable energy education programme, School-gen, the company became aware that many schools struggle to get students engaged in STEM learning as they lack the necessary resources and equipment. And as an energy company, Genesis are also keen to develop the next generation of energy innovators – hence their decision to be involved with the Trust.
Who are the Trustees?
Check out our Trustees here.
Does Genesis have a controlling interest in the Trust?
The Trust has been set up as an independent entity from Genesis. The Deed document, which established the Trust, states the number of Trustees shall not be less than five and no more than six, two of whom will be Genesis employees. It also outlines that all decisions must be made on a majority vote basis, which ensures Genesis does not have a controlling interest in the Trust.
How much funding is Genesis contributing to the Trust?
Genesis is the major sponsor of the Trust and has donated a significant amount of funding to kick start the Trust. In addition to this funding, Genesis is helping the Trust by providing all legal, finance and administration support for free.
How is the Trust raising funds over and above the donation given by Genesis?
As well as being the main sponsor Genesis also encourages its customers to lend support via a ‘bill-top-up’. The Trustees are also actively looking for additional business sponsors.
What are the Trust’s running costs and is this coming out of donations?
The great news is the Trust’s running costs are funded directly by Genesis. This is so that every dollar donated can go to schools to support STEM learning.
When are applications open?
Applications open to schools once per annum and dates can be found here.
Who decides who gets the funding and what is the process?
When each application round closes, the applications received will be reviewed and shortlisted. The short list will be supplied to the Trustees for further review and debate. The Trustees will then decide which schools will receive equipment packages. All applicants will be advised as to whether or not their application was successful.
What are the criteria the Trustees will use to assess an application?
All applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria: –
Need – the challenges they face in teaching STEM
Desire / passion – to engage students in STEM learning
Potential – for growing STEM learning based on how they intend to move forward in this area.
Why can’t a pre-school / tertiary institute or non-MOE accredited organisation apply for funding?
There are many worthy educational organisations in New Zealand, however the Trust has made the decision to focus on supporting students in primary, intermediate and secondary schools.
Is there the chance to speak directly with the Trustees about an application?
All communication to Trustees needs to be directed through the Trust’s administrator on [email protected]
Can a school appeal a decision made by the Trustees?
The decisions made by the Trustees about the distribution of equipment packages are final. If, for any reason, you would like to raise an issue please do so with the Trust administrator on [email protected]
Who decides who gets the funding and what is the process?
When each application round closes, the applications received will be reviewed and shortlisted. The short list will be supplied to the Trustees for further review and debate. The Trustees will then decide which schools will receive equipment packages. All applicants will be advised as to whether or not their application was successful.
How do you make it fair between urban / rural / high / low decile schools as each of these will have different needs?
Each application will be reviewed equally based on the criteria the Trustees have set (need / desire / potential for impact).
How can I let my local school know about the Trust and the next application round?
We suggest you call / email your school about the Trust and the opportunity to apply for STEM equipment packages. Send them a link to the Trust website and encourage them to apply.
Why is it called the Genesis School-gen Trust?
As part of a sponsorship agreement with the Trust, Genesis Energy was given the opportunity to name the Trust. In return Genesis provides both funding and people resources to manage the Trust. The latter ensures that every dollar donated to the Trust goes to support schools and students.
Does any of the funding go to Genesis’ School-gen programme?
No – all donations provided to the Trust go directly to schools who have applied and are granted funds. Genesis’ School-gen programme is funded entirely by Genesis.
Will preference be given to existing Genesis School-gen schools?
No – all applications received by the Trust will be reviewed equally based on the criteria the Trustees have set.
Can Genesis School-gen schools apply?
Absolutely – any school registered by the Ministry of Education can apply for a STEM equipment package.
What are the various STEM packages a school can apply for?
Find information on the different STEM equipment packages available, here.
Why can’t we buy our own equipment – why does the Trust buy the STEM equipment directly?
As we are buying in bulk we can negotiate special deals with suppliers.
I have a couple of ideas for STEM equipment I think schools should have. Who can I get in touch with to pass on my ideas for equipment.
If you have any suggestions or ideas you would like the Trust to consider, then please get in touch with the Trust administrator on [email protected]
Who are the Trust’s auditors?
The Trust’s auditors are Deloitte. They are kindly providing their services free of charge to the Trust.
Who administers the Trust’s finances?
The Trust’s finances are administered by the Trust administrator with the support of an accountant from Genesis as part of the sponsorship agreement between Genesis and the Trust. The funds are held in a Trust bank account that is entirely separate from Genesis. Under the Trust Deed, two Trustees are required to authorise payments.
Is the Trust registered with the Charities commission?
Yes, the Trust’s registration number is CC56571. It is also incorporated under the Charities Trusts Act 1957 and statutory documentation on the Trust can be found on the Societies and Trust section of the Companies Office website.
When will I hear about how my donation has been used?
At the end of each application round, all donors will be sent via email information on what schools received equipment packages and how they intend to spend the funding. In addition, the successful schools will be celebrated on the Trust website.
How can a business donate to the Trust?
The Trust welcomes businesses to become a supporter. Please email the Trust administrator on [email protected]
Can a business claim a tax rebate on a donation?
Yes, a business can claim a rebate on a donation if the donation is over $5.
If I donate to the Trust am I able to claim a tax rebate?
The Trust is registered with Charities Services (Registration Number CC56571). All donations over $5 qualify for a tax rebate. If the donation is one-off, then a tax rebate letter will be sent to the donor. If the donation is received through Genesis’ ‘bill-top-up’ scheme, a tax rebate letter will be sent at the end of the tax year (31 March). It is worth putting a tax claim in for all donations over $5 as the Government will refund 1/3rd of the amount donated.
Can I view the Trust’s accounts to ensure donations are being spent appropriately?
The Trust’s accounts are made available on the Charities Services website at the end of each financial year. It is important to the Trustees that the Trust is totally transparent in the way it manages the funding donated to it. A key mandate of the Trust is to ensure that every dollar donated goes to schools to provide equipment to support the development of STEM learning.
Why can’t my donation go directly to a school of my choice?
There are over 2,500 schools in New Zealand and to make a difference at any one school you need a certain amount of funding. Any school (registered with the MOE) can apply for an equipment package and we would encourage you to get your school to apply so they can have a chance at receiving one.
How can I find out how much I have donated to the Trust?
The Trust holds information on all donations made and so please contact the Trust administrator [email protected]
