Non-profit groups can apply for funding from council

The second round of Waipa¯ District Council’s Community Discretionary Fund is now open to receive applications for non-profit community groups in the Waipa¯ district seeking financial assistance.

The Community Discretionary Fund is administered by Pirongia Ward Committee, Cambridge and Te Awamutu community boards, and supports community activities or projects in the Waipa¯ district.

The second tranche of 2021/22 funding opened on February 7 and will close at 5pm, Saturday, March 19 and has over $65,000 available left over from the first round.

Waipa¯ District Council acting group manager — strategy and community services Sally Sheedy said the fund was a great opportunity for local groups to resource projects that have been held back due to funding constraints.

“The fund has helped get some wonderful community projects and groups under way over the years, and it’s great to see our communities really thinking outside the box and making the most of the funding available,” said Sally.

The first 2021/22 round, held in September, injected over $70,000 into community and not-for-profit groups across the Waipa¯ district.

Successful applications included a contribution to Kids in Need Charitable Trust for cost of care packs, assistance to build a new equipment shed for Te Awamutu Playcentre, support for ongoing expenses for Kihikihi Domain Sports and Cambridge

Toy Library. “It’s often the smaller projects and activities that add the flavour to our amazing district so we’re very pleased to be able to offer this funding to our deserving groups. This is the second round of the Discretionary Community Fund for 2021/21, with the first round being held September 2021.

“Priority will be given to applicants for local community activities or projects that promote resilience or recovery from Covid-19 or activities that promote economic recovery. If you think you have a project that fits, don’t hesitate to put an application in.”

The fund’s allocations will be determined in April. Funding typically ranges between $200 and $2000 + GST but larger funding amounts can also be considered.

For application forms, funding criteria and further information about the Community Discretionary Fund, head to www.waipadc. govt.nz/funding.