Upper Harbour community groups can apply soon for a local grant when applications open from 26 August to 4 October 2024.
Local grants are available twice a year through the Upper Harbour Local Board Grants programme 2024/2025 and support arts, community, environment, heritage, sport and recreation projects, and events that take place in the local board area.
Board chair Anna Atkinson says grant applicants will be asked to explain how their project or event fits with the outcomes listed in the new local board plan.
“As a local board, we want to encourage groups that are inclusive and make a positive contribution to our community,” she explains.
“Our local board plan was developed after extensive public feedback and the outcomes shaped by our community’s needs and aspirations.
“We have geared our grants programme to these outcomes which is why everyone applying for a grant should read the plan and then demonstrate how their project or event fits with it.”
Projects and events should support local board plan outcomes
Grants should support initiatives that meet one or more of the board’s outcomes, which include:
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creating an inclusive and connected community
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everyone having a voice in decisions that affect them
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caring for the natural environment and protecting biodiversity
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everyone having access to sportsfields, parks and community facilities
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residents connecting easily with each other and their neighbourhoods
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a thriving, resilient and sustainable local economy.
Grant rounds are typically over-subscribed
Atkinson says that grants are an important funding source for community groups, but applications always exceed the budget that is available.
“As a local board, we want to support as many groups and projects as we can. We see the difference that grants can make and the incredible groups that do amazing work in our community.
“But with grants rounds typically over-subscribed, it’s important that community groups consider all the funding options available to them and look at other funding agencies wherever possible.”
Nineteen community organisations received $77,435.44 in the final round of the Upper Harbour Local Board Grants Programme for 2023/2024.
Apply for a grant
The board’s grant programme consists of local grants that are offered twice a year in August and January. Applicants can apply for a local grant of any amount when the grant round opens, and complete an online application form at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Grant decisions for round one will be made at the local board business meeting on 28 November 2024 and projects must start after 15 December 2024.
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