Western Bay joins community event fund partnership

Anew community event fund for the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region has been launched which will streamline application processes for community events.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council will partner with Tauranga City Council, TECT, Bay Trust, and the Acorn Foundation to facilitate the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.

The combined approach aims to ease how community event organisers secure funding, as they can now apply for a significant amount from a single fund. Previously, community event organisers may have had to apply to multiple funders to reach their funding requirements.

A total of $700,000 is available, made up of a maximum of $15,000 per applicant for events held in Western Bay of Plenty, and a maximum of $50,000 per applicant for events held in Tauranga.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s General Manager Strategy and Community Rachael Davie says events that encourage community inclusion and participation will be supported.

“We’re pleased to be working in partnership with other funders to provide an easier outlet for new events, and for much-loved existing events to continue,” says Rachael.

“Events provide a huge benefit for our communities, bringing people together and creating a sense of whanaungatanga (belonging), so it’s important we support them.

“I encourage all Western Bay event organisers to check out the application requirements and take the opportunity to potentially secure funding.”

Applications for an initial round of funding are open until 31st July and will support events for the 2022/2023 financial year. Applications will then be considered on a bi-monthly basis.

Tauranga City Council’s Community Services General Manager Barbara Dempsey says the move is a collaborative step forward.

“We know residents and visitors love to attend events and the benefits events bring to community well-being and inclusion. By joining other funding partners, we want to make it easier for organisers to access funds that will result in great events.”

TECT Community Impact Manager Paula Hudson is excited.

“We are pleased to continue our collaborative funding partnership with the other funders and can’t wait to see the return of a vibrant events scene across our region.”

For more information and to apply for funding in the Western Bay, see the website westernbay.govt.nz/eventfund Article supplied.