Count down for community funding

The Te Puke Toy Library. Supplied photo.

This week is the final chance for community groups to have a crack at getting money to give their special projects a funding boost.

Applications close on Thursday, July 20, for 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.

Last year Council granted funding to 13 community groups – among these was the Te Puke Toy Library.

Toy Library President Monique Lints says the Matching Fund grant enabled the library to get tools and resources for more than 22 families with special circumstances.

'An unexpected outcome has been the increased awareness of the library by the Te Puke community and a rise in our other membership.

'Our membership has risen to its highest since the library was formed in 1998 and we look forward to continuing our initiatives into our twentieth year and into the next 20 years,” says Monique.

Council's Community Committee Chairperson Peter Mackay says the Matching Fund is unique as it helps support not-for-profit groups that are already working for the benefit of the community but need some financial support to achieve their goals.

Application guidelines and forms are available on Council's website: www.westernbay.govt.nz.

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

Last year's Matching Fund recipients included: Katikati Disaster Relief; Katikati Maori Wardens; Katikati Men's Shed; Katikati Mpowa Programme; Uretara Estuary Managers; Waihi Beach Volunteer Coastguard; Western Bay Community Archives; Omokoroa Fire Brigade; Te Puna Memorial Hall; Whakamarama Community History Group; Whakamarama Community newsletter; Te Ara Kahikatea; and the Te Puke Toy Library.

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.