Community service funding available
28 July 2017
Community groups looking for support for projects can now apply for funding.
Cambridge and Te Awamutu Community Boards and the Pirongia Ward Committee have funds available as part of the Community Discretionary Fund. This fund supports organisations who provide local services that benefit the wider Waipa community.
Last year 107 applications were received during the August round with successful projects including buildings receiving maintenance, sports clubs gaining equipment upgrades, new equipment for disability sailing and more.
Lake Ruatuna Users Group, near Ohaupo, received funding to renovate and refurbish its camp facility building and surrounds to a modern, user-friendly standard.
Lake Ruatuna Users Group member Wayne Green said funding is critical to ensure community groups are able to deliver their projects to the community.
Often community supported projects just need a hand up, not a hand out. Funds are often used to cover material costs so that the community group can deliver an outcome based on giving their time and effort for free.
With the help of volunteers, groups like ours deliver a wide range of benefits for the wider community and achieve a lot of 'bang for buck' thanks to their efforts, Green said.
Priority will be given to those applying for community projects, as opposed to operating costs. Allocations are typically between $200 to $2000 per applicant, but larger amounts will be considered at the discretion of the boards/committee.
Applications close 31 August. Retrospective project applications will not be accepted.
For details on the criteria and to begin your application visit waipadc.govt.nz/discretionaryfund from Tuesday 1 August 2017. Hard copy forms will be available at Council offices.
For more information, contact: Amber Diprose, 027 404 0836