Council funding available for community organisations

Not-for-profit community groups can to apply for the next round of grants. Photo/File

Rotorua Lakes Council is encouraging not-for-profit community groups to apply for the next round of community grants and partnership agreements.

These funds are available once every three years and provide recipients with guaranteed annual funding for three years.

Community grants are for small to medium sized organisations which can apply for up to $5000 per year.

The council said partnership agreements were for larger funding amounts for bigger more established organisations doing work that was aligned with Rotorua's 2030 Vision and making a difference in the community by addressing inequities.

Annual funding levels for partnership agreements will be decided by the council's Strategy, Policy and Finance committee in July.

The aim of the council funding is to create a strong social base, meet local needs and make a difference in the community.

A change in the structure of council's community funding was recommended by the Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee and approved by the council in February and saw the introduction of the Community Funding Investment Policy. This has replaced the Neighbourhood Matching Fund, Community Grants and Partnership Grants policies.

Council strategy development manager Rosemary Viskovic said the focus of this round of funding was addressing inequities and making a difference in the community.

"We want to focus on initiatives which are improving inequities as well as aligning with relevant goals of the Rotorua 2030. And we'd like to see a good representation of the community apply for and receive funding. Uptake has, for instance, previously been quite low among Maori organisations and we want to change that."

A series of hui are being held to discuss the funding criteria and application process to assist potential applicants.

Hui Details:

March 27 5:30-6:30pm New Applicants
Apumoana Marae, 27 Tarawera Rd, Lynmore

March 28 9:30-10:30amExperienced applicants (previous recipients)
April 4 9:30-10:30amNew Applicants
Te Aka Mauri (Rotorua Library)Community Meeting Room, main floor

April 4 5:30-6:30pm Experienced applicants (previous recipients)
Waikite Clubrooms, 15 Bellvue Rd, KoutuDining Hall

Partnership Agreements
Applications open: March 27
Applications close: May 31

Community Grants
Applications open: June 1
Applications close: July 16

If you want to attend please contact Anita Galland, email anita.galland@rotorualc.nz or phone (07) 348 4199 ext 8621 by Monday, March 26.

To find out more and to download an application form, go to www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-city/community-development/grantsandfunding.

Rotorua 2030 goals

•A resilient community/He hāpori pūmanawa
•Homes that match needs/Kāinga noho kāinga haumaru
•Outstanding places to play/Papa whakatipu
•Vibrant city heart/Wāhi pūmanawa
•Business innovation and prosperity/Whakawhanake pakihi
•Employment choices/He huarahi hou
•Enhanced environment/Tiakina to taiao