10 October 2016

Half a million dollar boost for sports groups

In a bid to encourage Aucklanders to be more active more often, Auckland Council has released a $508,000 regional fund to support sport and recreation organisations that work across the region.

Applications for the 2017/18 Regional Sport and Recreation Grants open on 10 October and close on 25 November 2016.

“Many grant sources only fund specific activities, with no provision for the operational costs needed to support community initiatives. We are pleased to make this grant round available to organisations seeking operational funding for regional projects and activities that encourage Aucklanders to be more active more often,” says Mace Ward, General Manager, Parks Sports and Recreation for Auckland Council.

“Auckland offers sport and recreation opportunities without equal in the southern hemisphere, which inspire and encourage all Aucklanders to live healthy lifestyles. Sport and recreation is a part of Auckland’s fabric which makes it vibrant, fun and interesting, attracting people to live, work, visit and invest here.

“Grant funds like this support the operation of activities for everyone, as part of everyday life, in ways and places that appeal to them,” he says.

Previous recipients include Hockey New Zealand, Parafed, the John Walker Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation, Bikes in Schools, Sport Waitakere, North West Orienteering and In2It Street Games.

Grants are not available for capital funding and individuals are not eligible to apply.

Applications are invited from Auckland-wide organisations that are “umbrella organisations” with:
• a region-wide mandate;
• regional federations or groupings of local or sub-regional sports code organisations;
• sport and recreation providers or advocacy groups; or
• iwi and other Māori organisations active in the sport and recreation sector.

Regional Sport and Recreation Grants will be targeted towards supporting more equitable access to sport and recreation activities that do not currently benefit from dedicated or council-subsidised facilities and outdoor environments.

The grants will also focus on programmes that enable children and young people to develop skills which will help them have lifelong participation in sport and recreation, and on supporting easier and more affordable access to populations with low participation rates in sport and recreation, particularly Māori, children and young people, populations with health and wellbeing needs and those facing other barriers such as access to transport and information.

ENDS

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