Applications are now open for community organisations to apply for funding from the Stewart Trust and Carruthers Trust.

Funding received from the Stewart Trust must be used for the relief of poverty, while the Carruthers Trust must be used for providing essential maintenance to houses predominately occupied by aged or needy persons.

Eligibility is restricted to community organisations, and funds can only be used within the Tauranga City Council area.

Under the terms of the Stewart Trust and Carruthers Trust Policy, only the interest earned can be distributed. As of April 2018, approximately $157,000 is available for distribution.

Applications are being accepted from April 24 to May 25, 2018.

To apply, community groups are required to complete an application form and provide other supporting documentation. Full details are available on Council's website.

Tauranga City Council's Community Development Match Fund committee will assess the applications and decide how the funding will be allocated. This will occur in June 2018.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application within two months of the closing date.

Tauranga City Council is the trustee for both the Stewart Trust and Carruthers Trust. Council has a responsibility to ensure Stewart Trust and Carruthers Trust funds are distributed in accordance with the Stewart Trust and Carruthers Trust Policy.

The last contestable funding round was in 2009.