There is just one week left to get your application in for Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Community Matching Fund.

Applications close next Friday, May 28, for council's $140,000 fund, eligible for not-for-profit community groups that are able to 'match'' council's cash grant – be it in volunteer hours, cash or in kind contributions.

Council's community team manager David Pearce encourages any community groups yet to submit an application to do so as over the years the money has been a key to many groups across the Western Bay getting their projects off the ground.

'The Community Matching Fund is a valuable resource for those groups that stand out as self sufficient in their own right but who struggle to raise finance for bigger projects,” says David.

'It's a great way Council and community groups can work together to foster strong and vibrant communities.”

The fund is split into $40,000 for specific projects that benefit the natural environment and $100,000 for the general fund for social, recreational and cultural initiatives.

Most individual applications in the past have averaged from $1000 to $10,000.

Last year, the Community Matching Fund was temporarily replaced by the Community Resilience Fund, which distributed $300,000 to 49 local groups financially hit by Covid-19.

A change this year has seen all Community Matching Fund applications must be submitted online.

To assist in the digital transition Council's Community Team this month held information sessions in the District's libraries for anyone needing assistance with filling out and submitting their application.

'These sessions were well attended and were invaluable for those groups who came along,” says David.

"We know people put a huge amount of time, effort and resources into their projects and these applications, so we want to ensure everyone has the best chance of submitting a strong application.”

For any Community Matching Fund queries, you can contact the Community Team on email [email protected] or phone 0800 926 732.

For 2021 Community Matching Fund application forms and more information visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz/community-matching-fund