Workshop for non-profits
‘‘A total of $2.35 million is available this year.’’
Local non-profit groups are invited to a workshop in early February to learn about BayTrust funding grants.
The workshop will be on Wednesday February 8 at Waiora House from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Chief executive Alastair Rhodes said the workshop will be a chance for organisations to share ideas with one another.
‘‘It’s also a great opportunity to brainstorm new ideas for tackling key issues in your own organisation, learn what works for others, and hear from BayTrust about our priorities for the coming year.’’
Exult NZ will facilitate each workshop and teach participants simple tools and strategies for running ‘Think Tanks’ within their team.
Workshop participants will be reminded that applications for BayTrust’s Strategic Fund are now open. Grants of between $100,000 and $500,000 are available for significant community projects or services.
‘‘A total of $2.35 million is available this year,’’ Rhodes said.
Expressions of interest in the grants are due by February 26.
Rhodes said there were nine ‘‘Outcome Areas’’ BayTrust was looking to fund into: Improved Natural Environment, Safe Communities, Prosperous Communities, Active Communities, Vibrant and Fun Communities, Strengthened Whanau (babies & youth), Healthy Sustainable Housing, Inclusive Communities and Stronger Community Organisations. Each Outcome Area has individual priorities that sit under them, Rhodes said.
Local organisations that secured funding last year included W.I.S.E Better Homes Charitable Trust ($116,000); Taupo Blue Light Ventures ($165,000 over three years); and Central Plateau REAP ($150,000 over three years).
W.I.S.E chief executive Anaru Marshall said the new grant money would help subsidise home insulation for 500 low-income households from Rotorua to Turangi.
‘‘An insulated home means less colds and flu, less asthma incidents, and less sick days off work and school. We’re very grateful to BayTrust for their support. Taupo and Turangi have very cold climates so this goes a long way to alleviating some of those health issues in the district.’’
BayTrust’s initial funds were the proceeds gained from the sale of Trustbank shares to Westpac Bank.
For more information visit baytrust.org.nz.