Grant funding applications now open

The applications are assessed by Councils Community Grants Subcommittee. Pictured is Subcommittee chairman Sandra Hazlehurst. Photo / Glenn Taylor

Hastings District Council is welcoming applications from community organisations for the Contestable Grants Fund.

The fund aims to establish or develop community services or projects. Council has allocated $297,000 in 2015 to the contestable grants fund and applicants must show that they are able to make a significant contribution to their project or service.

The applications are assessed by Councils Community Grants Subcommittee.

Subcommittee chairman Sandra Hazlehurst said: "Each application will be evaluated against council's criteria. Applicants should demonstrate that their project has a major 'community good' component."

Mrs Hazlehurst said the project should benefit a significant portion of the community and "the applicant must be able to identify the beneficiaries".

Last year, the applications fell into two categories. The first group were for projects or services which assist youth in education, skill development, and employment while others met recreational, arts, and cultural needs.

Applications for funding from the Contestable Grants Fund open on February 1 and close on March 31 for contracts commencing July 1, 2015.

More information is available from Hastings District Council economic and social development co-ordinator Vicki Berkahn on (06) 871 5048 or email vickib@hdc.govt.nz

*To read the complete criteria or to complete an application form online, go here.