The Thames-Coromandel District Council is advising locals that applications for the 2015 round of community board grants open in July.

These grants aim to encourage and support local community services, activities and events, aid not-for-profit organisations, plus recognise, support and enhance volunteer efforts in the community.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council says applications for the 2015/2016 round of Community Board Grants opens Wednesday, July 1. Photo: File

They also help local organisations pay for specific projects or maintenance of facilities that benefit the community.

In 2014 community boards across the region allocated a total amount of $168,632.30 from the Community Grant Fund amongst those that applied for funding in 2014/2015.

For 2015, the value of grants available in each ward are: $25,000 for Thames Community, $15,000 for Thames Community Events, $13,500 for Coromandel/Colville Community, $40,000 for Mercury Bay, $37,000 for Tairua/Pauanui, and $30,000 for Whangamata.

Recipients from the 2014/2015 round include:

• Coromandel RSA for Anzac Day ceremonies
• Mercury Bay Gymnastics Club for coaching courses for volunteers
• Hikuai Community Plan Steering Committee to assist in the completion of the Hikuai Community Plan.
• Thames Society of Arts for the 2014 Thames Arts Festival - Steam Punk Circus Event
• Te Whanau Waka Ama O Whangamata to assist with the purchase of a trolley to transport the waka into the water and two sets of paddles.

Applications for community board grants open Wednesday, July 1, and close by 5pm on Friday, July 31.

For more information and to download guidelines plus application forms visit: www.tcdc.govt.nz/communitygrants