Council grants support social good in the city

The Council recently approved almost a quarter-of-a-million dollars in grants to 48 diverse projects around the city – from underwater awareness to undergrowth activists.

The Council's Arts and Culture portfolio lead, Mayor Justin Lester, says supporting all these projects benefits the community, the economy, and maintains Wellington’s reputation as the coolest little capital in the world.

“Our Long Term Plan has a strong focus on building on our cultural and creative identity, enhancing our way of life, engaging our communities, encouraging diversity, and promoting healthy lifestyles – and these projects go a long way to contributing towards this,” says the Mayor.

The Social and Recreation Fund granted $107,600 to 13 projects including a pilot Wellington CBD Support Zone for young people ($50,000), Shakti Ethnic Women’s Support Group Wellington ($8,000), InsideOUT Koāro ($7,000), the Sexual Abuse Prevention Network ($10,000), and Nisa Clothing ($10,000).

Nisa Clothing is a start-up with a social objective to provide opportunities for former refugees to get work experience, and build confidence and community integration by making and selling garments. Co-director Elisha Watson says: “it's great to see Wellington City Council getting on board with social enterprises, and giving our refugee community a helping hand.

“This grant will make a massive difference to our fledgling brand – with the goal to employ and empower women from a refugee background with sewing skills.

“We will use the grant money to buy 'raw' materials like fabric and elastics, which will be transformed into beautiful organic cotton pieces by our former refugee seamsters.”

This round, the Arts and Culture Fundgranted $112,950 to 31 projects including New Zealand’s Worth Loving *Doubtful Dolphin ($3,000), the Performance Arcade ($10,000), the NZ International Comedy Festival ($15,000), the Wahine 50thAnniversary Commemoration ($4,000), and the Anne Frank Travelling Exhibition ($4,000).

The Natural Environment Fund granted $9,672 to four projects including the recent Wellington Community Awards winner Polhill Restoration Project ($2,420).

You can find full lists of recipients, and dates and criteria for all our funding opportunities, on our website. The next application closing date for these funds is 31 October 2017.

ENDS

© Scoop Media