The Trust was established in 1941 by the Sutherland family. The trust fund was created to further community welfare in New Zealand. Property was donated to form the capital of the trust. The first distributions were made in 1963 and since then over $25 million (present day value over $70 million) has been distributed to community organisations. The Trust does not give to individuals.
The Trust Board decides the area of interest each year to target a particular area of need.