So, if your organization needs funds you must make an application to one of the trusts.

Each of the CGA member trusts has a range of community activities it will make grants for - you can find out which activities by having a look at their website.

Once you've worked out whether your project or activity fits within the criteria of one of the trusts you will need to go through their application process.

Here are some important things to remember:

• gather all the information you need before submitting your application
• get your application in ahead of time
• if its a big project seek support from more than one trust (but let each trust know what you are doing - the trusts operate an application matching system to ensure the money is distributed equitably)
• if you don't use all the money for the purpose it was granted for the money left over has to go back to the trust
• your use of the money may be subject to audit
• trust grant money is public money and therefore grants and grant processes are carefully scrutinised and audited

There are now more than 21,000 such machines operating in this country. They are all owned and operated by trusts or clubs.  The trusts are bound by the Gambling Act 2003 to raise funds to benefit the community. Accordingly, charitable gaming trusts do not derive “profits” in the commercial sense.

CGA members currently grant around $240 million per year to a mix of sporting, educational, health, arts and other charitable purposes. A similar amount is contributed to the Government in GST and duty.

The Charity Gaming Association (CGA) was formed by New Zealand gaming machine trusts that collectively own around 75% of gaming machines outside casinos.  

All members pursue a central objective of maximising financial returns to the community. CGA supports that objective through the development of standards, policies and procedures. CGA also helps members work together to share technical information and improve operational methods.

Working for community benefit demands more than compliance with the letter of the law. It also requires an ethical commitment. In the CGA Code of Practice, CGA members publicly declare a voluntary commitment  to best practice in the provision of responsible gaming.