BreakOut!

This week sees the launch of free public access to BreakOut at Whakatane District Libraries. Breakout is a funding database that provides access to over 2000 potential funding sources for individuals in NZ’s communities including students, researchers, sportspersons, artists and those seeking professional development. BreakOut is similar to Fundview, the funding database that provides information on how community groups can access and apply for funding support.

Library Services Coordinator Carol Spanhake says it was about time and launching BreakOut fills an information gap that has been around for some time.

“Making this service available is part of our plans and efforts to improve and widen the services we provide to our communities. We want the community to have access to as many services as possible that we can deliver efficiently and in a cost effective manner.”

BreakOut includes details of awards, scholarships and grants. It includes scholarships for school, polytechnic and university, travel grants, sports and arts schemes, personal grants, personal development funds, academic and non-academic funding.

BreakOut uses a simple search tool where individual enter information using the criteria that best describes their situation such as where they live, where they are studying and what they are studying? It comes up with the best match in terms of level and field of study, with closing dates, application requirements and contact details. In many instances it links straight through to the actual application forms, giving users a convenient way to apply online.

How do you access Breakout?

BreakOut is available free at the Whakatane and Murupara libraries public computers. Users can print from the computers to take the information home. Printing costs twenty-cents per page.

Mrs Spanhake says the Library team will be delighted to help users search BreakOut during opening hours Mondays to Saturdays.