Between 2006 and 2008 ASB Community Trust grants helped The Big Idea website evolve into the on-line home of New Zealand's creative community. We asked the Trust why Australasia's biggest philanthropic grant-maker had the faith to sink significant funds into the venture:

"The innovative Big Idea Trust is focused on developing and strengthening the creative community," says ASB Community Trust CEO Jennifer Gill. "Governed and managed by high quality trustees and staff who are dedicated to developing a sustainable organisation, TBI aims to design and deliver services, tools and programmes that support practitioners and organisations in the creative sector. "High membership figures show the website is meeting a very real need."

Ms Gill says TBI's website development project is a good fit with ASB Community Trust's Arts and Culture strategy: 'to support projects that aim to foster access, engagement and experience in the arts and cultural opportunities for all citizens.' To achieve this, the Trust works in partnerships to achieve the widest possible levels of participation in Auckland and Northland. "TBI has worked hard to meet our requirements and has proven that the project is well staffed and managed, with strong processes that have ensured a successful result," says Ms Gill.

About ASB Community Trust

ASB Community Trust is an independent grant-making organisation serving the Auckland and Northland communities. With funding from its investment income, the Trust grants around $45 million a year to not-for-profit groups in the region. Incorporated societies or registered charitable trusts can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation working for community good.

For more details, visit the Trust's website: www.ASBCommunityTrust.org.nz