Close to $400,000 has been redistributed into Ōtara and Papatoetoe over the last 18 months through the Local Community Grants programme.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board approved $394,860 through quick-response and local board grants to organisations and groups that are working on initiatives that deliver on the local board’s priorities and outcomes.
For 2017/2018 period, $226,813 Local Community Grants were allocated, while so far in the 2018/2019 period, $168,047 Local Community Grants have been approved, with a further funding round to come.
Local board chair Lotu Fuli says the local board relishes the opportunity to empower organisations that are undertaking activities that help make a difference to the community.
“The Local Community Grants programme enables our community and the local board to work together to make this area an even better place.”
The local board’s outcomes have been identified through extensive consultation and include: the transformation of Manukau, revitalising town centres, parks and facilities that meet people’s needs, a healthy natural environment, empowered, inclusive and prosperous communities, honouring youth and seniors and ease of getting around.
The board has two types of grants
The quick-response grant is for smaller requests ($2000 and under) and it is offered up to three times a year. Local board grants are for amounts of $2000 or more and are offered twice a year.
The largest grant during this period went to the Papatoetoe Central Main Street Society Inc. to deliver the hugely popular 2018 Papatoetoe Santa Parade and the associated Christmas in the Park event.
“Whether we’re supporting a big event like the Santa Parade or providing funds so an organisation can purchase much-needed equipment, every grant matters and makes a difference to our community in some way,” says Lotu Fuli.
Visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/funding to find out how to apply for funding for events or community initiatives.