20 December 2012

Community funding decisions to be made in New Year

Due to the unprecedented number of funding applications made to the Palmerston North City Council, the Community Funding decision will be moved to the new year.

74 community groups seeking a total of $3,250,304.14 worth of funding for a wide range of community activities have applied to Palmerston North City Council for Community Funding.

Earlier this year a new Community Funding Policy was adopted by Palmerston North City Council in a bid to align the Council’s funding of community groups with Council strategies.

While the funding amount, $1.2m, remains the same as in 2012 community groups have to demonstrate how their activities align to Council approved outcomes set out in the Arts, Active Recreation, Events & Festivals and Social strategies.

The changes were advertised and Council staff held public meetings with community groups across the city and a record number of proposals were received.

Community development manager Cathy McCartney says staff commitments and an increase of more than 50% in the number of applications has led to the decision to continue the process through to the new year.

“We were hoping to have it completed by now however this process can’t and shouldn’t be rushed if we’re to make the right decisions.”

Cathy McCartney says the successful applicants will be notified by mid January at the latest and that will help provide confidence to the applicant organisations as they plan for 2013 and beyond.

ENDS

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