Fifty grants will help Hawke's Bay community groups

Recipients of grants from Hawke's Bay Foundation, at the Hastings Community Arts Centre. Photo / Duncan Brown

Fifty local charities are set to get a boost in funding, thanks to grants from Hawke's Bay Foundation.

Hawke's Bay Foundation distribution committee chairwoman Sarah Mulcahy announced $144,000 had been awarded in its latest 2018 funding round to help provide a range of services across the local community.

Speaking to supporters and charities at the foundation's annual Giving Event on Thursday night, Mulcahy said that applications were received from all sectors of the community - from north of Wairoa to south of Waipukurau.

"The organisations who made applications for funding this year provide a breadth of services in our community from the cradle to the grave. Whether in the limelight or operating quietly in the background, these organisations are an essential part of a thriving community and are an integral part of our identity as a region."

The record number of applications received this year highlighted the increasing level of need being addressed by the charitable sector.

"This year, the distribution committee considered funding applications from 82 organisations with requests valued at a total $523,000. The funds available for distribution grew this year to $144,000 however there remains an over subscription for the funds available."

Established in 2012, Hawke's Bay Foundation receives donations and bequests from people committed to local causes. All gifts are pooled and invested for the long-term, with the interest being used to provide grants to local community organisations.

To date, more than $850,000 had been distributed.

"As more donations are received and the capital fund grows, so will the amount of funding available for distribution to the local community."

Mulcahy said the foundation worked closely with the charitable sector to ensure grants awarded will have the greatest impact across a range of areas, including children and youth, aged care, social development, health, arts and culture and the natural environment.

"Some organisations provide essential community safety nets such as food in times of crisis, and others support endeavours to improve our natural environment or to improve the opportunities for children or young people.

"This diversity of activity within our charitable sector will touch most Hawke's Bay people at some point during their life either as a consumer of their services, as a volunteer or supporter."

For more information, or to make a donation to Hawke's Bay Foundation, visit hawkesbayfoundation.org.nz