Funds for community plans
Applications open for project grants from council
It’s time for Western Bay groups to start putting together their applications for the chance at a slice of two community funds. Applications for Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Community Matching Fund and Facilities in the Community Fund are open.
The Community Matching Fund has $140,000 up for grabs, which includes $40,000 for environmental projects and $100,000 for general projects that make a positive difference for the Western Bay community.
The only catch is groups need to “match” the cash grant they’re seeking from the council — in volunteer hours, cash, or in-kind contributions.
This year $74,000 is also available from the Facilities in the Community Fund, which is aimed at developing or upgrading recreational facilities that are available for public use on non-public land. The facility must be in response to population growth in the area.
Council community manager David Pearce says the two funds provide a much-needed financial boost to get community projects over the line, especially at a time when many not-for-profit groups
have been hit financially because of Covid-19.
“It’s a tough time at the moment and there are so many great projects waiting for that last piece of the puzzle,” David says.
“Over the years we’ve seen some amazing projects come to life with help from these two funds, and we encourage all Western Bay community groups and organisations to take up this opportunity. It might be just what you need to make your project happen.”
Last year the council funded 35 groups as part of the Community Matching Fund. Among these was
Waih¯ı Beach’s Dot Watch, which received $4620 to create awareness about the plight of the Northern New Zealand dotterel at Waih¯ı Beach.
Group coordinator Pippa Coombes says their goal is to protect these highly endangered native birds from extinction.
“Without the funding provided by the council, we would not be in the position we are in going into the 2023 season — fully equipped to deal with everything that is thrown at these birds. We, as an organisation, could not be more grateful,” Pippa says.
Te Puna School also received funding in 2021 to help create a community bike and scooter pump track at the school.
PTA chairwoman Alexia Skipper-Jones says the grant enabled the school to complete the track to a higher standard with an asphalt surface for all-wheel fun.
“Since the track opened, it has been busy every day, keeping our tamariki and rangatahi active and engaged in a safe and positive environment. It’s also providing a space for the many community groups in the area to use as a venue for events and gatherings.”
The council will host sessions to provide advice and assistance on the application process:
Te Puke Library: May 9, noon2pm.
O¯ mokoroa Library: May 10, noon-2pm.
Katikati Library: May 11, noon2pm.
Waih¯ı Beach Library: May 12, noon-2pm.
The Facilities in the Community Fund runs every two years. The last round was in 2018. In 2020 both funds were incorporated into the $300,000 Community Resilience Fund for groups affected by Covid-19.
Groups can apply online through the council’s website. Forms and eligibility criteria are available at www. westernbay.govt.nz/grants. Applications close May 31.