Community groups will have more funding options available to them following a change to Tauranga City Council’s Community Funding Policy.

Council received 106 submissions during public consultation on a series of proposed changes to the policy.

Community services general manager Barbara Dempsey says the changes allow greater oversight of how the range of funding, which include cash grants and in-kind support, is being distributed to benefit the community.

“We can now ensure we’re distributing funding in a more equitable manner to support a wide range of important community groups and initiatives,” says Barbara.

“The value of the Community Development Match Fund Small Grant has increased from $1000, and applicants can now apply for a maximum of $5,000 to support their community-focused idea/project.

"We have also introduced a new multi-year funding option that provides longer term - three year - funding for successful community-led projects or ideas."

Council provides a range of funding and in-kind support for groups with the goal of creating positive change and improved wellbeing in the community.

Last year one of the recipients for council funding was Your Garden who were given $500 for a children’s therapy garden.

Co-founder and Educator at Your Garden, Joanne Easterby, says the funds were used as part of a horticultural therapy programme for neuro-diverse children.

“The money allowed us to continue our programme for the rest of the school year and helped with continual site maintenance to help maximise produce harvesting for students and the wider community,” says Joanne.

A new eligibility quiz has been developed to help applicants find out what funds they may be eligible for.

Covering the full range of Council-managed funds, the funding eligibility quiz is quick and easy to use and the perfect starting point for those looking to apply for Council funding.

The eligibility quiz can be found on the Tauranga City Council website. 

For a detailed list of all the funding policy changes and the revised policy go to:
https://letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/projects/community-funding-policy-review