Applications are now open for the Age friendly Fund, a programme that provides grants for projects that promote the
inclusion and contribution of older people in community life.
The fund makes one-off grants from $5,000 up to $15,000 and applications for 2021 are now being accepted until 4th
October 2021.
The grants are open to any New Zealand council, community organisation, or registered non-profit organisation. All
applications must be supported by the local council. Applications for new and innovative projects, supporting
intergenerational connection, and using a kaupapa Māori approach are especially welcome.
Last year, seven groups were awarded funding. They were Alzheimers Marlborough, Parksyde Trust Rotorua, Tauranga City
Council, The Family Centre Lower Hutt, Waikato Indian Senior Citizen's Association, Rotorua Multicultural Council, and
Age Concern Nelson Tasman.
The projects funded include those that empower local businesses to adopt the Dementia Friendly Recognition Programme,
create a Post-COVID environment where seniors are connected, and reduce isolation through social programmes.
Office for Seniors Director, Diane Turner, said the grants are available to help communities prepare for an ageing
population.
“We know that New Zealand’s population is ageing, and we want to see older people being valued and given opportunities
to contribute to and participate in their communities as they age,” she says.
For more information on the Age friendly Fund, including the eligibility criteria and how to apply click here<https://www.superseniors.msd.govt.nz/age-friendly-communities/community-connects/community-connects-grants.html>