New Online Application For Community Funding

From next week, anyone applying to the Christchurch City Council for
Community Funding will be able to submit their application online

The Strengthening Communities Funds and Small Grants Funds will open on Monday 15 February 2010 and for the first time, applications will now be accepted through the Council website.

Previously grant applications have been submitted as hard copies and
then entered in to a database for processing. However a new
computerised, online database will now allow applications to also be
submitted electronically, making a significant difference to processing.

The Christchurch City Council has a proud history of supporting the
Christchurch communities with a number of initiatives, including grant
funding. The Strengthening Communities Fund supports community focused
organisations whose projects contribute to the strengthening of
community wellbeing in the Christchurch City area.
Successful organisations are those who demonstrate that they are
sustainable, strategic, community focused groups with a significant
presence within their community of benefit. Organisations must be able
to demonstrate their ability to contribute towards their project(s) and
not rely on Council funding as their sole source of funding.
Michael Flatman, Acting Unit Manager Community Support Unit says the new
online system has been created to make the application process much
easier for all involved.
"Previously, we have processed these applications manually, which has
been time consuming for both applicants and staff," says Mr Flatman.
"By applying directly online via the Council website, it reduces the
amount of paperwork involved which aside from being more environmentally
friendly, also helps to speed up the application process."
Mr Flatman also says that while the new application method will appeal
to many organisations, the Council acknowledge that there will still be
people who prefer to download the application form from the website and
submit as a hard copy.
"Of course we will still accept applications as hard copies. However we
do want to reassure the public that our website contains the highest
security and all details submitted online are safe, secure and will
remain confidential."
Public information sessions will be held at the following times, where
Council advisors will be present to advise the public about community
funding and how to apply.
:
15 February : Civic Offices 5.30pm - 6.30pm

17 February: Civic Offices 12.30pm - 1.30pm

22 February: Linwood Service Centre 2.30pm - 3.30pm

24 February: Papanui Service Centre 5.30pm - 6.30pm

10 March: Beckenham Service Centre 5.30pm - 6.30pm

The closing date for applications is 31 March 2010.

For more information, visit the Council website at www.cccgovt.nz

-Ends-

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