Community groups gain $100,000

Monday, 4 September

Showing outstanding commitment to supporting themselves has won 28 community groups across the Western Bay a share of $100,000 from Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Council received 46 applications totalling $460,000 for its 2017 Community Matching Fund.

The annual contestable fund of $100,000 is granted on the basis that each group must prove it will 'match' Council's cash grant with the equivalent amount - be it in volunteer hours, cash in hand or similar matching criteria.

This is the third year of the Matching Fund and applications have increased each round.

The fund is split annually with $40,000 earmarked for environmental work and $60,000 for other community projects.

This is the first year the full environmental fund was allocated. Three environmental groups were successful - Enviro Katikati Charitable Trust, $19,000; Makahae Marae Committee (Te Puke), $19,000 and Friends of Puketoki Reserve Whakamarama $2000. The balance of $60,000 is spread across 25 groups each receiving between $500 and $5500 each.

The $100,000 was split across Kaimai ($16,000); Katikati/Waihi Beach ($49,000) and Maketu/Te Puke ($35,000). Most applications were received from the Katikati/Waihi Beach communities, while the fewest came from Kaimai.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says the success of the Matching Fund is its emphasis on encouraging community groups to show how much they are helping themselves before seeking Council funding.

"It is always a tough job to select the final few from the total number of applicants, but the successful groups presented outstanding applications and had a track record of self-help and voluntary commitment in their respective communities,'' says Garry.

"The total project costs represented by the successful applicants was $2.148 million which reflects just how much great work our local volunteer groups are doing in our communities.''

Judging criteria for the non-environmental portion of the fund included contribution to local public art; support for the ageing population; retention and engagement of young people; encouragement of migrant involvement and achieving good outcomes for people with disabilities.

The full list will be available on our website later this week.