1 September 2016

Media Release

Tasman District Council gives $218,000 boost to community groups

The Tasman District Council has provided a funding boost to 137 community projects and services through its 2016 Community Grants.

A total of $218,000 will be shared by the successful groups, with grants ranging in size from $200 up to $10,000.

The Council received a record 167 applications this year, requesting a combined $613,269.

Community Grants Subcommittee chairperson Martine Bouillir said there was a huge amount of wonderful work done by community groups in the District, and the grants were intended to provide a helping hand.

“We target the funding to organisations working in Tasman who contribute to community benefit and well-being. This year’s grants will help community groups deliver a huge range of projects and services that make our District a better place to live.”

This year’s grants provide funding to initiatives including adult literacy and numeracy tuition; youth worker training; marae and cultural services; rural wireless internet; small business advice; community artworks; historical publications and displays; and local fairs, festivals and events.

The largest grant this year went to the Abel Tasman Cycle Challenge, which will receive $10,000.

Cr Bouillir said the Council was particularly keen to help such new events become established in order to provide ongoing benefits.

“The Abel Tasman Cycle Challenge plays to the strengths of the region, in that it encourages people to get active while celebrating the environment. In the past we supported the Spring Challenge Women’s Adventure Race in a similar way, and it is now in its 10th year.”

Some of the other larger grants this year include:

• $4000 to the Nelson Enterprise Loan Trust towards administration expenses

• $7500 to the Fifeshire Foundation to be reallocated to Tasman residents in need

• $7500 to the Nelson Tasman Business Trust for a small business advisory service in Tasman

• $4000 to the Murchison Historical and Museum Society to paint the exterior of the museum

• $4000 to the Tapawera and Valley Historical Society towards using an army hut to display photos and information on the Tapawera Military Camps

• $5000 to the Nelson Jazz Club towards Jazzfest in Washbourn Gardens

• $4000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters towards recruitment and support of mentors in Motueka

• $4500 to Keep Richmond Beautiful for ongoing beautification projects

• $6175 to the Golden Bay Community Board for a mural at the entrance to Takaka

• $4000 to the Rough Island Equestrian Park towards a concrete pad

ENDS

© Scoop Media