North - Strengthening Communities Fund, 2014/2015 Round 1

Submissions closed at 5:00PM 15 July 2014 (NZST).

Criteria

The purpose of the Strengthening Communities Fund is to support activities that align with Council’s strategic goals and policy commitments to enhance or strengthen community cohesion and participation. Its focus is support for organisations and activities that benefit multiple local communities in the following local board areas: Devonport-Takapuna, Kaipatiki, Upper Harbour and the East Coast Bays subdivision of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. It is also available for local projects requiring a contribution above $5,000. Grants support operational funding, one-off projects, events and small capital works up to $30,000. Recognition will be given to organisations that demonstrate high levels of voluntary contribution.

Who can apply?

Legally constituted organisations and unstructured voluntary groups that work in the following local board areas:

  • Devonport-Takapuna
  • Kaipatiki
  • Upper Harbour and the
  • East Coast Bays subdivision of Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.

Groups that do not have legal status (i.e. are an incorporated society or registered charitable trust) must apply under the umbrella of an organisation that does.

When funding is available

There will be two rounds of funding available for 2013/2014.

The first round will open on 1 June and close on 15 July 2014.

Fund guidelines

Grant applications are invited for the following projects and activities:

  • Arts: Provision of art/cultural opportunities and promotion of participation in the arts or cultural expression that enhances or strengthens community cohesion
  • Youth: Provision of services or opportunities for young people that encourage them to participate in the community and develop to their full potential
  • Disability: Provision of services or opportunities for disabled people that encourage them to participate in the community and develop to their full potential
  • Older people: Provision of services or opportunities for elderly people that encourage them to participate in the community and develop to their full potential
  • Recreation: Provision of recreational activities that encourage community involvement and which foster community spirit and cohesion
  • Information: Community information services that provide information directly, or guide people to where they can obtain information that will enhance their lifestyle, offer new opportunities or improve their situation
  • Community sector development: supporting organisations working to improve the sustainability of other community organisations through the provision of support and training.

Areas where funding is not available:

  • for the benefit of individuals;
  • projects where assistance is the responsibility of central government departments or agencies. 
  • capital purchases of vehicles, land, and building projects requesting over $30,000;
  • community projects where assistance is the responsibility of council departments and funding may be sought from internal operating budgets;
  • charitable donations or fundraising events and activities;
  • school projects where the benefits are primarily for those involved in the school community; or
  • church projects where the benefits are primarily for those involved in the church, or of an evangelical nature.

Areas where funding is generally not available:

  • Applications from religious organisations for building and development projects or activities that have an evangelical or religious component
  • Any specific projects where the direct or indirect purpose is to generate income (for example fundraising, business associations)
  • School activities/programmes except where these are outside the school curriculum and for the benefit of the wider community
  • School equipment, buildings or pools
  • Projects that are completed prior to the funding assessment meeting
  • Environmental projects where other council departments should be providing support

Please note:

  • You can save and close your application at any time before you submit it. Once submitted your application cannot be changed.
  • When you submit your application you will recieve a .pdf copy for your records and it will also be saved in your account.
  • Please use the Applicant Help Guide before contacting a funding advisor.
  • Email communityfunding@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for any other questions.