Hibiscus and Bays community groups have until 6 September to apply for funding with the local board’s new grants programme now open.
Board chair Alexis Poppelbaum says: “We continue to support groups and organisations to deliver initiatives that make a positive contribution to our area.
“A tip for applicants is to take the time to read our new local board plan [8.6MB] and then show us how their project or event fits with the outcomes listed there.”
Grants should support initiatives that meet one or more of the board’s outcomes, which include:
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creating a community with strong connections and roots
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supporting environmental education and restoration activities
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supporting initiatives that mitigate the effects of climate change
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preserving local heritage through place names and story telling
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supporting arts, culture, sports and recreational activities
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creating experiences for communities that celebrate diversity, creativity and showcase public spaces.
Priority will be given to applications that encourage participation among young people and welcome newcomers to the area.
Local grants and Facilities grants
Local grants are offered twice a year, and for amounts between $2,000 to $8,000. The deadline for this application round is 6 September. Decisions are made by the board on 22 October and for projects that start after 1 November. Apply for a local grant here.
The Facilities Grant is offered once a year, opens in March and provides funding to assist with the costs of planning or developing a facility within the board area. It can be used for needs assessments, feasibility studies, investigation and design costs, and small building works.
Poppelbaum says with the grants rounds typically over-subscribed and the board’s more limited funds, community groups should demonstrate strong links to our local board plan and consider all available funding opportunities.
“Our priority is individuals and groups who show they are looking for funding through fundraising, sponsorship or by collaborating with other groups.
“By partly funding projects, we are a catalyst that enables groups to obtain the rest of the funds and resources they need to deliver a programme or event.”
Forty-four community organisations received $293,856 in the final round of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Grants Programme for 2023/2024.
Open until 30 August, the board’s Event Partnership Fund partners with event organisers delivering community events in the board area. Decisions are made by the local board on 26 September.
Event Partnership Fund now open
Event organisers can secure event funding from the Event Partnership Fund for three years through an Expressions Of Interest process. The board is keen to fund events that benefit communities and deliver local board plan outcomes.
Poppelbaum says the fund is open to all event organisers, current event partners and anyone who has received event funding from a grants round.
“Our focus as a board, is to support events that are accessible to everyone, encourage participation, and benefit our local area.”
Event organisers can apply for funding of up to $15,000 per event as there is no minimum amount.
Poppelbaum says: “Events should be sustainable and able to grow, so that after the third year, the event no longer needs event partnership funding.”
The criteria guidelines and application form are here.
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