Do you have an idea for a community project and are prepared to have some ‘skin in the game'?

Open from June 20 until July 20, community organisations have one month to apply to Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Community Matching Fund – an annual pool of funds available to help community groups help themselves.

There is $100,000 available, which includes $40,000 for environmental projects and $60,000 for general projects. Grants will be matched on a 50/50 basis.

Community Committee Chairperson Peter Mackay says Council sees the Matching Fund as a hand up, rather than a hand out.

'The matching fund is quite unique because it puts a dollar amount on contributions such as volunteer labour, donated goods and services and other contributions by the group allowing them to show the value of their work.

'This arrangement helps support not-for-profit groups that are already working for the benefit of the community and have resources such as volunteer labour and donated services, which are exceptionally valuable, but need some financial support to achieve their goals.”

Application guidelines and forms are available on our website.

Decisions on how funding will be allocated will be made on 31 August and groups notified within two weeks.