Rotorua groups share grants of more than $500,000

Karen Reed. Photo / Supplied

More than 100 Rotorua groups have had a boost to their budgets, sharing funding of $511,000 a year for the next three years.

The funding is part of Rotorua Trust's operational grants programme, which has been running since 2000. The funding was in response to increasing requests from community groups struggling to find funding that covered operating costs such as rent, power and insurance.

For many, like Diabetes NZ Rotorua who will receive $5000 per year for the next three years, the funding gives a sense of security and allows them to better plan for the future.

Branch manager Karen Reed said the funding was a welcomed boost, especially as they've just opened the Rotorua Community Diabetes Centre.

"Knowing we have the funding for three years allows us to plan ahead. A lot of funding is restricted to specific projects where there is a start and finish, and tangible outcomes, so to have this ongoing funding for expenses, like rent and power, is fantastic.

"It gives us a real sense of sustainability."

Reed said with an ever increasing number of people either diagnosed with diabetes, or with pre-diabetes, the need for the organisation's services was growing – which was the motivation behind the opening of the new centre.

"We're open five days a week and people can drop in between 9.30am and 2pm to access support, have a cuppa and a chat, look at our recipe books and get more information. Every Thursday morning we have an informal morning tea with various speakers or workshops."

Reed said the new space also had the room to cater for cooking classes in the future – a project that was under way now.

"It has been a vision for a while so it is fantastic to see this becoming a reality."

Reed said with about 5000 people in Rotorua with diabetes, and one in four adults with pre-diabetes, the need for such a support service is significant – and growing. The numbers of children and adults with Type 1 diabetes are also on the rise.

"Another area we'll be looking at more closely is supporting women through gestational diabetes. It's an area which is increasing in need, and while for some women gestational diabetes lasts only during pregnancy, for many the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life is significantly increased."

The grant of $5000 per year is the average amount given out to Rotorua organisations as part of this grants cycle, which is only opened up every three years.

Rotorua Trust chairman Stewart Edward said the grants made a significant difference.

"We know groups find it difficult to find organisations willing to grant funding for those day-to-day costs. By helping with operating costs, we are allowing organisations to focus on what they do best – supporting our community.

"The 102 Rotorua charities to receive funding in this round make a huge difference across our community and have a positive impact on the lives of both young and old."

Edward said the organisations were still able to apply for grants for projects through the normal monthly grant process.

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