Nelson City Council’s new funding panel allocated over $140,000 to the community through the Community Investment Fund today.
The funding panel is made up of four community representatives and one Council staff member, and will distribute $300,000 annually, with up to $50,000 for small scale projects, to organisations with a focus on social development activities that support the well-being of the wider Nelson community.
“We have listened to the community and have narrowed the focus of this fund. Where previously the criteria included support for sports, arts and events, now there is a sole focus on supporting social development activities,” says Group Manager Community Services and Chair of the Panel, Chris Ward.
In this latest funding round, 12 agreements and 25 grants totalling $142,770, have been allocated to a wide range of not-for-profit organisations delivering social development services in Nelson.
The total amount applied for was $190,774, from a funds pool of $149,070. $96,220 was awarded to agreements and $46,550 in grants for smaller projects. This amount is on top of $150,930, which has already been allocated for this year, from previous funding rounds.
Mayor Rachel Reese says the decision to create the new panel shows Council’s commitment to working closely with the community.
“The public told us they wanted to see continued support for community groups through the community assistance fund. They wanted us to focus on social development. We listened.
“This new panel creates closer collaboration between staff, councillors and the community, and will ensure we are supporting the community in the best way possible,” she says.
The latest funding round decisions are as follows:
Community Investment Agreements
Beneficiaries and Unwaged Workers Trust – $7,000
Community Art Works – $10,000
Life Linc Nelson Inc. – $6,000
Male Room Inc. – $6,000
Neighbourhood Support Nelson – $9,900
Nelson Community Christian Night Shelter – $3,000
Nelson Tasman Housing Trust – $10,500
St Barnabas Church – $15,000
Tahunanui Community Centre – $12,000
Victim Support – $5,000
Victory Community Health – $3,820
Volunteer Nelson – $8,000
Total: $96,220
Community Investment Grants
Age Concern Nelson Tasman – $1,000
All Saints Anglican Church – $1,500
Arthritis Foundation of NZ Inc. – $1,750
Bhutanese Society of Nelson – $2,500
Chin Community of Nelson – $2,500
Health Action Trust – for COMPASS – $2,100
IHC New Zealand Inc. – $2,500
Male Room Inc. – $2,500
Neighbourhood Support Nelson – $1,000
Nelson Bays Community Law Service – $2,500
Nelson Community Foodbank Trust – $2,500
Nelson Community Toy Library – $2,500
Nelson Multicultural Council Inc. – $2,500
Nelson Multiple Sclerosis Society – $1,200
Nelson Playcentre Association – $1,500
Nelson Women’s Support Inc. – $1,500
Post Natal Depression Support Network Nelson Inc – $1,000
Q-Youth Inc. – $2,500
Stoke Community Centre – $2,500
Tahunanui Community Centre – $2,000
Te Ataarangi ki Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Maui Inc – $2,500
The Order of St John Nelson Area Committee – $1,000
Victim Support in Nelson – $1,000
Victory Community Health – $2,500
Total: $46,550
