Funding up for grabs

Want information about how to get funding for your sports group or community organisation? You’ll find a lot of what you need at the Porirua Funding Expo at Pātaka on 26 September.

The Council-hosted Funding Expo will take place from 11am to 7pm in the performing arts studio. There, you can speak face-toface with funders – including Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry for Pacific Peoples, Nuku Ora, Wellington Community Fund, Nikau Foundation, Trust House Foundation, and more – about criteria, grants, the application process, and everything in between.

Porirua City Council General Manager of Community & Partnerships, Reuben Friend, says applying for grants and other funding can seem daunting and difficult, but the experts on hand on 26 September can put much of that to rest.

“This is the second time we’ve held an event like this and feedback from last year’s was very positive. What we’re ultimately trying to do is strengthen connections and give people in Porirua the knowledge and pathways to make their groups and organisations successful.

“You can have one-to-one time with some of the fantastic funders we’ll be having along on the day – it’s a brilliant chance to discover some of the funding streams available, in a friendly setting. There are grants and money out there that not everyone will know about.

“How great would it be to hear that, from this event, an idea, activity, project or worthwhile community organisation has received the impetus or inspiration to forge ahead and really make a difference in Porirua? That’s what this is all about – empowering people.”

You can also receive advice on governance and financial and organisational support from the likes of Charities Services, Generosity NZ and IRD.

The funding expo is completely free to attend and you don’t need to book – just turn up on the day.