Tasman grants offer $272,000 boost to community initiatives

A wide range of community groups and projects will get a helping hand from the Tasman District Council, with the allocation of $272,000 in grants this month.

Council Community Partnerships Coordinator Mike Tasman-Jones said the annual Community Grants scheme received 141 applications requesting $369,905 this year. Of those, 112 organisations were successful and will share the $219,000 available.

Mike said this funding would support a range of initiatives in the coming year, including:

• A project to get the historic Murchison Street Clock ticking again received $2000

• A project to support youth volunteering initiatives across the district received $2450

• The purchase of 4 new GPS units for Search and Rescue received $900

• A pest eradication project to bring back Mapua’s dawn chorus received $1500

• ANZAC Services in Golden Bay, Motueka, Moutere, Murchison, Ngatimoti and Riwaka across the district received a total of $4,500

• The Fifeshire Foundation received $7500 for grants to help individuals in crisis

• Victim Support received $1000 to assist with volunteer expenses

• Mountain Bike Track development at Kaiteriteri received $4000, Richmond and St Arnaud received $2,500 each

In addition, Community Consultation funding of $23,000 will support the continued operation of nine ratepayer and community associations. The fund is available to support community representation in areas where there is no Community Board.

The Council has also agreed to support two large projects through its Special Grants Fund. This fund is available in years the Council generates a surplus to assist larger events in the District to become established.

The First Encounter Planning Group 375, which is working on events to commemorate the 375th anniversary of Abel Tasman’s arrival off the coast of Golden Bay, was granted $20,000. Dark Horse Films was allocated $10,000 towards the feature length film Blue Moon, which will be filmed in Motueka.

Mike congratulated the successful applicants. “This funding will help bring a wide range of grassroots-driven events, initiatives and services to the District and we’re very pleased to be able to support these organisations in their work for the community.”

Upcoming grants rounds:

Tasman Creative Communities Scheme: Creative Communities provides funding to support community involvement in the arts, whether music, theatre, festivals, mural painting, outdoor sculptures, art in public spaces, kapa haka, singing, art workshops or something else. There are three rounds of applications per annum. The next round closes on 10 November. There is $39,000 allocated per annum with average allocations of $1,000.

Summer Sport Codes Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund: Are you a Tasman rural based club or do you have rural based players? If so the Tasman Sport NZ Rural Travel Fund can help meet your travel costs. Sport NZ Travel Fund reduces the barriers for young people (aged 5-19 years) taking part in local sports competition by offering grants to subsidise travel costs. The clubs must apply on behalf of players and the next closing date is 31 October.

Application forms and further information is online at www.tasman.govt.nz or phone Mike Tasman-Jones 543 8403 for further information.

ENDS

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