Effective Date: 26 August 2026
Policy Owner: Genius Co-working Limited
Review: Annually
1. Purpose
Genius Co-working Limited is committed to supporting and strengthening the local Christchurch community and economy.
The purpose of this policy is to formalise the Genius Community Investment Programme and establish how Genius may use its workspace, facilities, membership capacity, business connections and other available resources to support eligible community and purpose-driven organisations.
The programme forms part of Genius Co-working Limited’s wider commitment to local economic development, community connection and supporting organisations that create positive social, community or environmental outcomes.
2. Policy Commitment
Genius Co-working Limited is committed to supporting local charities, not-for-profit organisations, community groups, social enterprises and other purpose-driven organisations where their activities provide a positive benefit to the Christchurch community.
Where practical and appropriate, Genius will seek to make its workspace, facilities and community resources more accessible to eligible organisations through discounted, subsidised or complimentary arrangements.
Genius will also seek to create opportunities for community connection, collaboration, knowledge sharing and introductions between organisations and members of the Genius business community.
3. Local and Independent Economic Commitment
As part of its commitment to strengthening the local economy and supporting independent businesses, Genius Co-working Limited commits to:
• Purchasing at least 50% of its non-labour expenses from independent suppliers.
• Ensuring that at least 75% of the clients or customers served by Genius Co-working Limited are local and independent clients or customers.
Genius Co-working Limited will maintain reasonable records sufficient to monitor these commitments and will review performance against these targets at least annually as part of the review of this policy.
4. Community Investment Support
Support provided through the Genius Community Investment Programme may include:
Discounted coworking memberships, typically up to 50% off standard membership rates.
Free or subsidised additional memberships where appropriate.
Discounted or complimentary access to meeting rooms or workspace.
Use of Genius facilities for suitable community meetings, gatherings or events.
Introductions and connections within the Genius community where these may assist an organisation in achieving its community objectives.
Other in-kind support that Genius has the capacity to provide and that aligns with the purpose of this policy.
The type and level of support provided will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
5. Eligibility
The Community Investment Programme is primarily intended to support Christchurch-based organisations creating positive community, social or environmental outcomes.
Eligible organisations may include:
Registered charities.
Not-for-profit organisations.
Community organisations and groups.
Social enterprises.
Purpose-driven businesses or organisations.
Other organisations demonstrating a positive benefit to the Christchurch community.
Applicants are not required to be existing Genius Co-working members.
6. Application and Assessment
Organisations may apply for support through the Genius Community Investment Programme application process or by providing equivalent information directly to Genius Co-working Limited.
Applications should outline the organisation’s purpose, the community or group it serves, the type of support requested and how the requested support would benefit the organisation or wider community.
When assessing an application, Genius may consider the organisation’s community purpose and impact, its connection to Christchurch, the support requested, the expected benefit of that support, available capacity within Genius and alignment with the values and objectives of Genius Co-working Limited.
7. Approval and Conditions
All Community Investment Programme support is provided at the discretion of Genius Co-working Limited and is subject to availability and operational capacity.
Approval under this policy does not create an automatic or ongoing entitlement to discounted or complimentary services.
The level and duration of support may vary between organisations and may be reviewed periodically.
Organisations receiving support remain subject to the applicable membership, facility, health and safety, conduct and booking requirements of Genius Co-working Limited unless otherwise agreed in writing.
8. Monitoring and Record Keeping
Genius Co-working Limited will maintain reasonable records of material community investment provided under this programme.
Records may include approved discounts, complimentary or subsidised memberships, meeting or event space provided, other in-kind support, and the organisations receiving that support.
These records may be used to monitor the programme’s contribution to Genius Co-working Limited’s community and impact objectives.
9. Review
This policy will be reviewed at least annually to ensure that the Community Investment Programme remains relevant, effective and appropriate to the resources available to Genius Co-working Limited.
The programme may be amended from time to time as the business and the needs of the local community evolve.
Approved by:
Director, Genius Co-working Limited
Date: 26 August 2026