1 March 2019
Council has announced the names of 39 organisations as first recipients of Strategic Priority Grants. The grants provide
multi-year funding for community-led projects and activities. It replaces the former ‘Fee for Service’ contracting
programme.
The value of the grants is $3.9M over three years. Funding agreements will start on 1 July 2019.
“We’re delighted with the calibre of applicants, the quality of applications and the level of services and projects
they’re delivering to our community,” says Debbie Duncan, General Manager – Community. “The grants will allow these
organisations to continue to develop their good work and help our community lead the way in making our city exciting,
connected and safe.
“While we cannot accommodate funding for all the applicants, we can give an assurance the process undertaken to
determine the allocation of funding was robust and fair.”
Seventy-five applications were received requesting a total value of $10.5M over three years. Applications were open to
not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises that have a social, cultural or environmental mission.
“The grants are designed to support local organisations whose outcomes directly contribute to achieving Council’s
vision. Priority was given to those aligning with our goals of, ‘A creative and exciting city’, ‘A connected and safe
community’, and ‘An eco-city’.
“Council recognises the huge role the sector plays in the city. Palmerston North City Council offers one of the highest
dollar values per New Zealand ratepayer for community grants for organisations involved in the arts, environmental,
social and cultural activities.
“As local ratepayers are funding the grants, it was important the applicants’ proposals clearly demonstrated how they
could deliver outcomes and benefits to people within the city, through contributing to Council’s priorities.”
“We acknowledge unsuccessful applicants will be disappointed and perhaps financially affected. However, we will continue
to work closely with them, providing advice and access to information on other support available.
Some unsuccessful applicants will continue to receive Council support in other ways such as reduced rental and other
funding, and this was taken into consideration to ensure the outcome was fair to everyone and gave the best value to our
community and ratepayers.”
Ends