DWestern Bay of Plenty District Council has boosted its annual Community Matching Fund by $40,000 this year to $140,000 – and applications open later this month.
Applications open from 29 April until 29 May 2019 for the Fund which is eligible for groups with commitment to their communities and able to “match’’ Council’s cash grant – be it in volunteer hours, cash or similar matching criteria. The fund is split into $40,000 for environmental projects and $100,000 for the general fund.
Last year, when the fund stood at $100,000, 23 groups shared $60,000 and five received a share of the ecological fund of $40,000.
Council’s Community Committee Chair Peter Mackay says the fund is an invaluable resource for those community groups who put so much effort into standing on their own feet – but need a funding boost for important projects.
“We know people put a huge amount of time, effort and resources into their projects. This fund allows us to match their efforts with a grant. It’s a great way Council and community groups can work together to foster strong and vibrant communities,” says Peter.
”The Community Matching Fund is hotly contested and it’s always a challenge to spread the money. The success of previous Matching Fund projects and the efforts of our many volunteers, have encouraged Council to make a further $40,000 available this year.
“We are particularly interested in supporting smaller low profile projects aimed at improving the community,” says Peter.
There are two parts to the fund – a general fund for social, recreational and cultural initiatives, which has a pool of $100,000 and the environmental fund for projects benefiting the natural environment which has a pool of $40,000.
Application forms are available on Council’s website. For all information on the Community Matching Fund 2019 visit:https://www.westernbay.govt.nz/our-council/grants-and-funding/Pages/default.aspx
