Charity funding round opens - Hawke's Bay community groups urged to apply

Hawke's Bay Foundation chairwoman Jules Nowell-Usticke. Photo / File

Hawke's Bay Foundation's funding round for 2018 is now open, and local community groups in need of "a hand up" are urged to apply.

Last year the foundation granted $121,500 to 47 local grassroots groups, and Hawke's Bay Foundation chairwoman Jules Nowell-Usticke said the foundation hoped to distribute even more this year.

"Our overall aim is to put the 'community' back into the community and in turn create a thriving region," she said.

"The foundation sets out to provide assistance to support groups and communities that are working towards meeting their own needs and have sustainability when the foundation funding ceases. Priority is given to organisations working in the heart of the community using support from volunteers, rather than large well-funded service providers and organisations."

Nowell-Usticke said the foundation was looking to provide groups "with a hand up not a handout", and to provide assistance for groups to become more sustainable on their own.

Community organisations can apply for funding for any charitable activity within the Hawke's Bay region and they have until June 29 to apply for funding. Some areas such as schools and sports clubs are exempt.

Each application would be reviewed by the Hawke's Bay Foundation's distributions committee to ensure funds were directed to vital areas in the community.

Hawke's Bay Foundation was set up in 2012 and is a registered Charitable Trust that receives donations and bequests on behalf of the Hawke's Bay community. It then safeguards those funds and grows them for the long term.

The original donation is never touched – rather it is preserved forever, and the income that is generated is what is used to support local grassroots organisations. Donors can be specific about which charities benefit from their generosity.

To apply for a Hawke's Bay Foundation grant, please visit www.hawkesbayfoundation.org.nz or call Linda Calder on 06 870 4648.