Trust chairman Stuart Edward said there were two key projects that had seen a reduction in funding this time around, including tertiary grants which had previously been allocated about $150,000 and the Rotorua Lakeside concert's funding which reduced from $120,000 to $50,000.
Mr Edward said the trust had agreed it was becoming increasingly difficult to award tertiary grants because it was hard to differentiate between the students' individual skills.
He said it had instead decided to put that money into primary and intermediate schools to try to help make a difference in education earlier.
Those tertiary students already awarded grants would continue to get the funding they were promised for their three years of study.
For Lakeside, trustees voted last year to reduce the funding for the first time as it had always been the main sponsor.
Edward didn't vote as he had to declare a conflict of interest given his brother, Ian Edward, is chairman of the Rotorua Lakeside Charitable Trust.
Stuart Edward said the past 12 months had seen new trustees settle into their roles, including himself, Tamati Coffey, Bea Yates and Merepeka Raukawa-Tait. Jo-Anne La Grouw and Sandra Kai Fong were incumbent trustees.
Edward said a significant amount had been achieved during the trust's first full year together.
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the trust and its support of the Rotorua community were the focus of the revised funding strategy.
"In particular, we have focused on the areas where the trust can make the most impact, while at the same time collaborating with fellow funders and providers to ensure better outcomes for Rotorua."
The new strategy focuses on five areas - Health and The First 1000 Days, Education and Employment; Vibrancy; Strengthening Communities and Energy and the Environment.
"Our kaupapa – a better Rotorua for all, alongside our five key areas of focus, gives the trust a renewed determination and clarity around the ways we can help make the most impact for our community."
Funding highlights from the past year include the completion of two major projects the trust had supported in previous years - Te Aka Mauri, which it had given a total of $800,000 towards and the opening of the CARE Village, a dementia facility based in Ngongotahā, which it had previously granted $750,000 towards.
The trust's AGM will be held next Friday, July 27, from 1pm at Parksyde Community Centre, on Tarewa Pl. The meeting will be preceded by light refreshments from 12.30pm.
Facts about the Rotorua Energy Charity Trust
* Established in 1994 to serve the community
* Formed out of the sale of Rotorua Electricity Limited, with initial capital of $32 million.
* Today, this capital exceeds $150 million, with more than $110 million invested back into the local community since inception
* Governance of the trust is undertaken by six trustees, who are elected by the Rotorua community
* The trust has three full-time staff, with investment and financial services contracted to external experts, Mercer and BDO respectively
Top 10 projects funded in 2017/2018
Wise Better Homes - $250,000
Tertiary study awards - $136,000
Rotorua Civic Arts Trust - $70,000
Rotorua Lakes Council Crankworx - $50,000
Rotorua Lakes Council Te Aka Mauri - $50,000
Western Heights High School - $46,320
Rotorua Boys' High School - $39,510
Rotorua Arts Village - $33,500
Western Heights Community Association - $32,5000
John Paul College - $26,320
