James Gibb Fund

Supporting parish-based social services for local communities.

Established in 1989, the James Gibb Fund provides funding for projects that improve the wellbeing of those in need, and for projects that deliver educational programmes that support people to live a happy and fulfilling life.

The fund supports projects which make a contribution to social or community service by:

  • supporting people who have been deprived of opportunity, especially children and older people who face challenges such as poverty or disability.
  • delivering educational programmes to support individuals, family and whānau to overcome obstacles and thrive.

Applications where parishes link in with PSC will have an advantage, as will new programmes rather than maintaining existing programmes. Applications close on 31 October each year. 

How to apply

We’ve made it easy for you to apply for the James Gibb Fund – simply follow the steps to complete your application form online now.

Grant evaluation

Before commencing each application you will be asked to complete an Evaluation Form for the previous year’s grant (if applicable).

Trust guidelines

For more information on the objectives and guidelines of this fund, view the Trust Guidelines.

About James Gibb

James Gibb was born in Scotland in 1857. He emigrated to Australia in 1881, before arriving in New Zealand a few years later with his wife, Jane Gibb also known as Jean Gibb.

In January 1886 he was inducted as the minister of First Church of Otago, and in July he was elected moderator of the Presbytery of Dunedin. In 1901, he was elected the first moderator of the newly united Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, and in August 1903 he became the minister of St John’s Church in Wellington.

It was in 1909 Reverend Dr. James Gibb, initiated a project to support vulnerable children in the community, so began Presbyterian Support Central. This was a time when there was no welfare system in New Zealand.