Local community groups with an upcoming project are being invited to submit their application for Council funding, with grants now open until Sunday 28 February.

The funds are available across eight categories: Community Library, Community Agency, Community Project, Community Events, Biodiversity, Heritage, Community Infrastructure, and the School Holiday Programme.

Ashburton District Mayor Neil Brown says the grants are a way for Council to support a range of initiatives throughout the district that help to make Mid Canterbury a great place to live.

"Last year, more than $315,000 was given out. That money helped to deliver the Ashburton Santa Parade, Wheels Week and Diwali – Festival of Lights, as well as new club room heat pumps, performance costumes and signage for the Methven Bike Track, just to name a few.

"If your group or agency has an upcoming event, project or programme that could use a funding boost, now is the time to make that happen."

Once applications close, Council will go through an assessment process to decide how much funding should be allocated to the grants in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan.

Following the adoption of the Long Term Plan at the end of June, the successful applicants will be awarded their funding in July 2021.

Applications must be for projects, programmes or events taking place between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022.

To learn more about the grants, criteria and to apply, visit ashburtondc.govt.nz/grants.