5 April 2018

Funding available for North Shore projects.

A funding round that focuses specifically on community projects in the North Shore area is now open for applications.

This is the second year of grant making for the North Shore Fund, the most recent addition to Auckland Foundation’s annual granting.

Launched in 2016 with the support of Sir Stephen Tindall, the North Shore Fund was established as a way of encouraging North Shore residents to think about giving back to their community.

The fund also has high profile support on its advisory committee from longtime Birkenhead resident and well-known personality Judy Bailey.

Auckland Foundation is now calling for applications from groups with projects that address social disadvantage, promote health and wellbeing, or strengthen community in the areas of Devonport-Takapuna, Kaipātiki, Upper Harbour, and Hibiscus and Bays.

Last year North Shore Group Riding for the Disabled (NSRDA) were one of 7 organisations that were supported by the North Shore Fund’s first round of grants. They successfully applied for funding towards the purchase of a new therapeutic riding horse, Dream.

Volunteer for NSRDA and ambassador for the national body New Zealand Riding for the Disabled, Melanie Kerr says,

"Dream is not just any horse! She’s a therapist. She and the other horses at North Shore Group Riding for the Disabled provide therapeutic riding for people with disabilities. They improve the rider's strength, balance, and confidence, thus helping our children reach their best potential.”

"I have been a volunteer for many years now and I'm still blown away by the courage and determination of every one of our young riders. On behalf of North Shore Group Riding for the Disabled, I thank the Auckland Foundation for their generous support enabling us to reach more riders and change more lives."

Judy Bailey says the advisory group are delighted that the grant has meant NSRDA have been able to extend their programme for the disabled. Fellow advisory group member and Auckland Foundation Chairman, Geoff Clews, adds,

“The connection between animals and human health is well established, and we were only too glad to assist North Shore Riding for the Disabled with this purchase.”

Applications are open now, and close 5pm, 30 April. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of June.

Grants are available up to $5,000, and will be targeted at those predominantly volunteer-run organisations that otherwise don’t get a lot of funding.

Both the online application form and application guidance notes are available on the Auckland Foundation website, www.aucklandfoundation.org.nz.

ends

© Scoop Media