Applications for community funding open to west Auckland community groups

Auckland Council’s Community Wellbeing Fund and Youth Programme Fund are now open.

West Auckland community groups working to provide services to boost the well-being of youth or the wider community are invited to apply for funding.

The funding programmes assist not-for-profit organisations and community groups to carry out activities to best meet their community’s needs.

Applicants working in the Waitakere Ranges, Henderson-Massey and Whau local board areas are eligible to apply.

Under previous councils, these funds were aligned with council boundaries but are now aligned with local board boundaries, for example, the Whau Local Board area includes Avondale, which was formerly part of Auckland City Council.

"I know how much time, energy and dedication goes into the delivery of such activities and that a little extra money is always helpful to keep things going," says Henderson Massey Local Board Chair, Vanessa Neeson.

"It is pleasing to see these grants continue in the new council era as these sorts of activities are important and are at the heart of our community."

The Community Wellbeing Fund allows for grants of up to $1500 for groups working in a single local board area, and up to $3000 for projects serving two or three local boards.

Grants are provided to assist with costs for training and workshops, volunteer expenses, planning, administration and equipment, small-scale community events and cultural and leisure activities.

The Youth Programme Fund supports organisations providing regular programmes for youth aged between 13 and 20 years. It primarily assists with costs for staff and volunteer expenses, venue hire, advertising, promotions and equipment.

While groups seeking the maximum grant of $5000 must be an incorporated society or registered charitable trust, other groups can apply for grants of up to $3000.

Applications close on 29 July 2011.

For further information and to download an application form go to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/funding, or contact Kim Hammond on (09) 301 0101 or kim.hammond@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.