Update on the Nudgee Trust
The Nudgee Trust, established in 1869 and now entrusted to Mercy Partners, continues to provide financial support to our sponsored ministries so they can deepen and extend their mission to those most in need. Since 2017, the Trust has distributed more than $6 million in grants across diverse initiatives – from health and education projects to programs supporting vulnerable communities.
In preparation for the 2026 grant round, the Trustee has undertaken a comprehensive review of the grant application process to ensure it reflects best practice and remains accessible and transparent for all Mercy Partners ministries.
From 2026, ministries will be able to apply through a dedicated Nudgee Trust microsite hosted within the Mercy Partners website. The microsite will include:
- clear information about the Trust’s purpose, governance, and funding cycle.
- easy-to-navigate grant guidelines and FAQs.
- online submission form; and
- case studies showcasing previously funded initiatives.
The Trustee has endorsed several refinements to simplify the process and better align applications with the Trust’s key selection criteria:
- Application Form – Questions now align with the key selection criteria and are phrased in accessible language to assist ministries in describing their project’s intent and benefit.
- Integrated Theory of Change (ToC) Framework – Each application encourages ministries to outline how their proposed activities lead to meaningful outcomes, helping both applicants and the Trustee evaluate the social impact.
- Focused Eligibility – The Trust’s priority remains Mercy Partners sponsored ministries, with the grant pack clearly outlining that administrative overheads should be absorbed by the ministry rather than funded through the grant
- Transparency and Assurance – Updated certification wording for Chair and CEO signatures ensures accountability without adding unnecessary paperwork.
- New Visual Identity – The microsite will feature a refreshed Nudgee Trust logo and colour palette aligned with Mercy Partners branding to strengthen visibility and coherence across platforms.
- Timelines and Communications –communication will be provided about opening and closing dates, assessment stages, and expected decision timelines to assist ministries with internal planning.
- Enhanced Acquittal and Impact Review – The acquittal process will focus more explicitly on outcomes achieved rather than on outputs and financial compliance alone, ensuring that learning from funded projects can inform future ministry initiatives.
Before launch, the microsite and new application form will be piloted with two ministries to ensure the process is intuitive and reflects the practical realities of ministry life. Feedback from these pilots will inform final refinements before the 2026 round opens early next year.
Applications for the 2026 grants will open in mid-March 2026, with funding decisions expected mid-year following review by the Grant Review Committee and final approval by the Mercy Partners Board as Trustee.
The updated process underscores the Trust’s ongoing commitment to good stewardship, transparency, and mission alignment, ensuring that each grant supports initiatives that bring life and hope to those most in need.
Further details, including key dates, eligibility criteria, and the new online application form, will be available on the Mercy Partners Ministry Portal when the microsite launches early in 2026.
