Local Christchurch community organisations wishing to apply for grants funding can now submit their applications.

“The Council allocates a significant amount of money each year to support community based initiatives through our Strengthening Communities Fund and Small Grants Fund” says Carolyn Gallagher, Unit Manager Community Support, Christchurch City Council.

“The Strengthening Communities Fund assists community groups with project-based costs towards the provision and delivery of community focused initiatives. There is no upper dollar limit on applications to this fund, and community groups can make multiple applications for different projects at metropolitan and local level.

“The emphasis for the Small Grants Fund is to assist projects that enhance community group capacity and/or increase participation in their activities. The upper limit for this fund is $5000.

“We have a long history of supporting Christchurch communities with a whole range of initiatives, including grant funding.”

Over the next month the Council are running five information sessions to help people find out more about the funds and how to apply for them. A sign language interpreter will be available at two of the sessions.

“It is never easy to decide how to allocate community funding when there are applications for many more dollars than we have available, so we want to give people the opportunity to learn more and ask questions before they put their application in.”

The information sessions consist of a short presentation from Council staff, followed by an opportunity to seek individual advice and assistance from staff. No bookings are necessary.

“Organisations that have been successful in getting funding in the past have been able to demonstrate they are largely sustainable, strategic, community focused and have a significant presence within the area they are working in.

City-wide or metropolitan applications are assessed by Council staff and referred to the Metropolitan Funding Committee for decision; while local applications are assessed by staff before being considered by the relevant Community Board for a decision.

Organisations wishing to apply for a community grant will need to be registered with the Council before they submit their application form. Application forms can be found online at www.ccc.govt.nz or at the Council’s Civic Office on Hereford Street or Council libraries.

Organisations only need to complete one registration form, no matter how many grant applications they intend to make.

Applications for the Strengthening Communities Funds close on 31 March 2011 whilst applications for the Small Grants Funds close on 31 May 2011.

Location: Council Chambers, Civic Building, 53 Hereford Street, Christchurch
Date: Thursday, 3 February 2011
Time: 12:30pm to 1:30pm
*A Sign Language Interpreter will be available at this session

Location: Council Chambers, Civic Building, 53 Hereford Street, Christchurch
Date: Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Time: 5:30pm to 6:30pm
*A Sign Language Interpreter will be available at this session

Location: Linwood Service Centre, 180 Smith Street, Linwood, Christchurch
Date: Monday, 28 February 2011
Time: 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Location: Beckenham Service Centre, 66 Colombo Street, Beckenham, Christchurch
Date: Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Time: 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Location: Papanui Service Centre, corner Restell Street and Langdons Road, Christchurch
Date: Thursday, 10 March 2011
Time: 5:30pm to 6:30pm

ENDS

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