New Council Fund to Match Efforts Which Help Neighbourhoods

ROTORUA 16.08.13:  Rotorua District Council (RDC) has created a Neighbourhood Matching Fund (NMF) totalling $50,000 to help provide resources for one-off self-help projects which support the council’s Community Outcomes goals.

Each grant will need to be matched by neighbourhood or community resources of volunteer labour, donated materials, donated professional services or cash.

RDC community projects officer Carole Parker said all projects should be initiated, planned and implemented by people living in the Rotorua district.

“The priorities for this new fund include bringing people together to collaborate on neighbourhood projects, empowering people to enhance and strengthen their own neighbourhood, and contributing to families and whanau working, playing and talking together. Other priorities are renewing and revitalising places and spaces within neighbourhoods, and improving the quality of life in a specific community or neighbourhood.”

Ms Parker said there are two funding options within the broader Neighbourhood Matching Fund.

“The Small Neighbourhood Matching Fund has a pool of $10,000. This funding will be apply across the year with up to $1,000 available per application, and a minimum grant of $50. Applications can be filed between February and November each year, with allocations made on a monthly basis.

“The Large Neighbourhood Matching Fund provides a total pool of $40,000 with minimum grants of $1,500. There will be two funding rounds each year with up to $20,000 per round. The Large NMF round will open for applications in September and February each year.”

Application forms and information will be available on the RDC website in September, and a workshop will also be held next month for people to learn more about the fund, its criteria, and how to apply.

ENDS

© Scoop Media