INDEPENDENT NEWS

Grants reflect diversity of Auckland’s community

Published: Fri 13 May 2005 04:27 PM
MEDIA RELEASE
13 May 2005
Grants reflect the diversity of Auckland’s community
A wide range of community groups, that work to make the city a more interesting and caring place to live, will receive more than $400,000 from the Auckland City Council.
The grants are being awarded to 131 groups through the council’s Community Group Assistance Funding scheme.
The groups being funded reflect the ethnic and cultural diversity of the city, says the chairperson of the Community Development and Equity Committee, Councillor Dr Cathy Casey.
“It’s fantastic that the council is able to support such a large number of organisations, especially those that work with small and growing communities,” Councillor Casey says.
“The council aims to help groups with a city-wide focus and those that support strong and healthy communities. All of these agencies are doing a great job to improve skills, education and opportunities for different people.”
The largest grant of $12,000 will go to the Auckland Refugee Council to run an orientation programme on life in New Zealand for asylum seekers.
Many other groups assisting migrant communities will also receive grants, including Ethnic Voice, Migrants Support Services and a German-speaking playgroup.
Financial help is also being given to organisations providing counselling services, including Youthline and Auckland Sexual Abuse Help Foundation.
Agencies working with children are among others to benefit. Some of these include the Girl Guides Association, Books for Babes Trust Board and Kidney Kids of New Zealand Support Group.
“These organisations often provide crucial services and this funding scheme ensures that they are well-resourced and can respond effectively to community needs. The money will help with many different projects from conferences to mentor programmes to training courses and after-school programmes. It’s great to see and this work will help to make Auckland City a more inclusive and caring place to live,” Councillor Casey says.
The Community Group Assistance Fund makes grants each year. This year 170 groups applied for $800,000 in funding. The allocation sees 131 groups collectively receiving $410,000 in funding.
All groups to receive $5000 or more are audited and applications undergo a rigorous assessment before money is granted.
Ends

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