August 6 2010
Non-profit community and welfare groups are being encouraged to apply for their share of a $75,000 discretionary grants fund.
The fund is distributed by Waipa District Council’s Community Boards. The Cambridge Community Board (which includes Maungatautari) and the Te Awamutu Community Board (which includes Kakepuku) each have $30,000 to allocate. The Pirongia Consultative Committee, including Ohaupo, has $15,000 to distribute.
In 2009 the Fund received 131 applications totalling $237,200 - three times more than the amount of funding available. Applications were received from a wide range of organisations including social service groups, sports groups and arts and cultural groups.
Community liaison officer Andrea Duncan said discretionary funds principally help towards operating expenses and activities that enable groups to carry out their day-to-day business. The fund might help cover expenses like rent, power, insurance, and telephone.
“Non-profit organisations feel the financial pinch at the best of times, and right now they are operating in a particularly tough economic environment. The discretionary fund provides some financial relief that allows these organisations to continue their great work in the community,” Ms Duncan said.
Grants generally range from $200 - $2,000. Applications for the fund close on August 31. Funding is allocated by both community boards in September and by the Pirongia consultative committee in October.
Applicants must be non-profit organisations or groups providing a community or welfare service for the benefit of the wider community. Application forms can be collected from council’s offices in Te Awamutu and Cambridge, or downloaded from its website www.waipadc.govt.nz under ‘About our Services – Community & Recreation’.
For more information, please contact:
Jeanette Tyrrell
Ph: 07 872 0097 or 027 293 8679
Email: jeanette.tyrrell@waipadc.govt.nz