Project Prima Volta was one of 47 organisations that received grants from HB Foundation last year. PHOTO / FILE
Project Prima Volta was one of 47 organisations that received grants from HB Foundation last year. PHOTO / FILE
Community groups in need of funding have less than two weeks to apply for a grant from the Hawke's Bay Foundation.
Last year the foundation granted $121,500 to 47 local grassroots groups and HB Foundation chairwoman Jules Nowell-Usticke said local community groups wanting funding this year needed to submit theirgrant applications before the closing date of June 29.
"We're encouraging grassroots community groups that need a leg-up to apply for a grant through the Hawke's Bay Foundation.
"Our aim is to provide assistance to support groups and communities that are working towards meeting their own needs and have sustainability when the foundation funding ceases."
Priority would be given to organisations working in the heart of the community using support from volunteers, rather than large well-funded service providers and organisations.
"The Hawke's Bay Foundation supports grassroot groups that often don't have a high profile but are hard at work building a stronger more prosperous Hawke's Bay. We want to provide groups with a hand up not a handout, so the grants provide some assistance for groups to become more sustainable on their own."
Community organisations can apply for funding for any charitable activity within the Hawke's Bay region. Some areas such as schools and sports clubs are exempt.
Already the organisation has received about 40 applications for grants, usually between $2000 and $2500, ahead of the closing date.
Each application will undergo a "robust" review by the Distributions Committee to ensure funds are directed to vital areas in the community.
Hawke's Bay Foundation was set up in 2012 and is a registered Charitable Trust, and operating as a community foundation organisation it receives donations and bequests on behalf of the Hawke's Bay community and then safeguards those funds and grows them for the long term.
The original donation is never touched – rather it is preserved forever, and the income that is generated is what is used to support local grassroots organisations.
Donors can be specific about which charities benefit from their generosity.
Organisations can apply for a Hawke's Bay Foundation grant online at www.hawkesbayfoundation.org.nz or by calling Linda Calder on 06 870 4648.