11 December

Strong Demand For Community Funding Following Revamp

74 community groups seeking a total of $3,250,304.14 worth of funding for a wide range of community activities have applied to Palmerston North City Council for Community Funding.

Earlier this year a new Community Funding Policy was adopted by Palmerston North City Council in a bid to align the Council’s funding of community groups with Council strategies.

While the funding amount, $1.2m, remains the same as in 2012 community groups now have to demonstrate how their activities align to Council approved outcomes set out in the Arts, Active Recreation, Events & Festivals and Social strategies.

The changes were advertised and Council staff held public meetings with community groups across the city and a record number of proposals were received.

Mayor Jono Naylor says he is delighted with the number of applications especially as a number come from community groups working together to try and achieve outcomes for the community while a good number are groups that haven’t applied for funding before.

“It’s really encouraging to see that our community sector is so strong and ready to meet the needs of our community.”

Community development manager Cathy McCartney says the number of applicants shows that this year’s approach which included a high level of interaction and communication with the various sectors was the right path.

“We’re now working through the applications. It is a huge undertaking,” says Cathy McCartney. “We hope to have it completed before Christmas to ensure both successful and unsuccessful applicants can plan for the new year in confidence.”

ENDS

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