Funding for a skilled intern to support their work as part of the Community Internship Programme (CIP) will be given to the SILC Charitable Trust in a move supported by Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

The Community Internship Programme (CIP) funds hapu, iwi, or community groups to employ skilled professionals as interns to help them meet clearly identified objectives.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges is congratulating SILC Charitable Trust in receiving funding for an intern.

A total of $229,797 in funding will be shared amongst the seven successful community groups and will fund a variety of projects including relationship building, improving connections with the community, and building capability.

SILC Charitable Trust will receive $35,013 in funding for an intern to review, analyse and plan the group's information technology systems to meet the increasing needs of their customer base.

Simon says the programme realises relationship-building outcomes between the public, private, iwi, or community sectors.

'By focussing on skill-sharing and the exchange of knowledge between sectors, the programme provides wins for everyone involved, while building on-going relationships which continue after an internship ends.”

Applications to the CIP Fund close in September each year and the allocation are for placements for three to six months, or part-time internships of up to 12 months may also be considered. For more information go to www.communitymatters.govt.nz