Funding criteria tightened
Funding for community groups may be a little harder to obtain, after the South Waikato District Council changed the criteria for Community Grants.
In a public-excluded council meeting, it was decided the scheme will not be the first port of call.
The new criteria will mean groups have to try and source external funding before applying.
A more thorough application will also be required.
Figures from the August round of grants showed out of the 39 applications, 14 were fully completed. As well, three had secured outside funding.
The president of the Putaruru Theatre Players, John McLean, said the group used the grants occasionally.
In the August round, it received $500 for light fixtures.
In the past six years, it has applied for grants about three times, he said.
McLean said funding was used for things like chairs, lighting and carpet.
‘‘[Funding is] very important, we’ve got to get about 10 grand a year to break even.’’
‘‘ Because we are a small community, you can’t do it all on user pays.’’
Their funding was usually sourced locally, including the pub charity. When the Putaruru pub closed down for a couple of years, he said the organisation relied on the grants more than usual.
McLean said he didn’t have an issue with the council tightening up the rules.
‘‘I think you’ve just got to have a good case and you need your quotes.’’
But he questioned whether it was about spending less money.
‘‘If it was the same pool then fair enough. But if they’re lowering the pool and making it harder, then that’s a different story.’’