Opportunity knocks for Hamilton charities

Not for Profit organisations in Hamilton are urged to get their applications in by 11 June to be in the running for this year’s $15,000 Community Media Grant.

The unique grant, provided jointly by Community Radio Hamilton, bettle and Hamilton City Council, offers one local not-for-profit organisation the opportunity to boost their public profile with a one-off advertising campaign valued at more than $15,000.

This is the third year the grant has been made available, with past recipients Volunteering Waikato and Lifeline Waikato benefitting from a wide range of professional media expertise - key services which are often foregone for operating costs in tight not-for-profit budgets.

Community Radio marketing manager Lara Signal says the Community Media Grant aims to provide a helping hand to bridge that gap.

“Spending money on marketing is not a priority for many not-for-profits, particularly when you’re delivering vital services on a shoestring budget. We want to help correct that balance.”

“It’s exciting to see the positive impact the Community Media Grant is having on these organisations, and the thousands of people supported by them,” she says.

Bettle general manager Aaron Begbie agrees saying that “partnering in the Community Media Grant is a great opportunity for bettle to give back to the community and provide great community organisations with a valuable tool they otherwise might not be in the position to afford.”

Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock says,”as a sector, Hamilton’s Not-for-Profit organisations deliver a significant amount of community building in the city. They are often the city’s unsung heroes and we are proud to provide this opportunity to boost that work even more.”

Community Media Grant applications forms are available via the Community Radio Hamilton website at www.communityradio.co.nz

Applications close on Friday, 11 June 2010.