The Community Trust of Southland today announced the Trust will reopen a Major Grants round in 2018-19, investing an extra $1.5 million into the community for grants over $100,000. This will bring the grants budget up to $8 million for the year ahead.
Major grants funding had been paused in 2016 as the Trust focused on a period of capital rebuild.
“When things were tough for the community during the GFC the Trust made a decision to assist by keeping granting at the same level, and more recently we have been focusing on rebuilding capital for the Trust investment fund. However, the Trust has made considerable progress in rebuilding capital and we now believe that the Trust can increase its funding budget whilst continuing to rebuild capital” Community Trust of Southland Chair Margot Hishon says.
“The community have indicated that there is a need for funding support for a number of major projects, and we are responding to this so that major community projects may be able to progress”.
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“The Community Trust of Southland board have committed to a major grant round of $1.5 million for 2019-2020 as well, which will allow for the community to plan ahead for major grant applications”.
Jackie Flutey, General Manager for Community Trust of Southland agreed with Mrs Hishon, saying the increase in the grants budget is part of an ongoing commitment for the Trust to invest in community projects that align with the Trust’s strategic priorities and vision.
“The increase in funding is an exciting development that recognises the Trust’s commitment to support projects and organisations that will make tangible differences within our region”.
“In response to the needs of the community we are also making some other changes including; expanding the simplified application process for smaller grants from $5,000 and under to now include $10,000 and under. Also, the cap on general grants has now been lifted to $100,000. Previously the maximum amount groups could apply for was $50,000” Mrs Flutey says.
“This year the Community Trust of Southland is celebrating 30 years of working with the community and we are delighted that the major grants funding coincides with this special anniversary and is available again to community groups”.
Applicants have until 15th June to submit expressions of interest for major grants. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a more detailed application. For more information on Community Trust of Southland Major Grants round please see here.