A small fund was established in 1960 by Wellington businessman and philanthropist, the late Sir John Ilott. It was substantially increased by his son and daughter, the late Mr J V (Jack) Ilott, and the late Mrs Suzanne McKellar. Now an incorporated philanthropic Charitable Trust, with a significant capital base, the Trust makes small annual grants, generally in the range of $2,000- $3,000. The amount distributed is influenced by the current investment returns and number of suitable applicants.
After the death of Sir John in 1973, management of the Trust passed to his son, Jack Ilott, who ran the Trust virtually single-handedly for more than 25 years. A bachelor with no relatives in NZ, Jack reached an Agreement with the Rotary Club of Wellington (of which Sir John and Jack had both been Presidents) that after his [1999] death, the Rotary Club President, President-Elect, and Immediate Past-President would serve as Ilott Trustees committed to implement the family’s vision.
This arrangement continues to this day, with the following 2024-2025 officer-bearers of the Rotary Club of Wellington currently serving as Ilott Trustees:
Roger Blakeley – RCW President (Chair)
Julie Haggie – RCW Immediate Past-President
Lynn McKenzie – RCW President-Elect
From 1 July 2025, the 2025-2026 office-bearers of the Rotary Club of Wellington serving as Ilott Trustees are:
Lynn McKenzie – RCW President (Chair)
Roger Blakeley – RCW Immediate Past President (Chair)
Suzanne Snively– RCW President Elect
The Trust is supported by an Advisory Committee of up to seven Rotarians who may serve two, five-year terms. While the Trustees retain authority, the Advisory Committee investigates and makes recommendations to the Trustees on matters referred to it.
The Trustees have a duty to grow Trust capital to increase income available for philanthropic use. To this end, the Trust currently uses Forsyth Barr (Wellington) to actively manage the investment portfolio within guidelines set by the Trustees.
While advised by the Funds Manager, the Trustees are ultimately accountable for financial oversight.