Local community groups with an upcoming project should check if they qualify for council funding, as the August round of grants is about to open.

Funds are available across five categories: Biodiversity, Heritage, Community Infrastructure, Trail Maintenance and Creative Communities.

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.

“We’ve already given out $245,000 for this financial year, but there are surplus funds in some of the grant categories that we’d also like to distribute.

“The biodiversity fund, for example, has nearly $40,000 in it so we’d love to see some applications for projects that aim to protect, maintain or restore biodiversity.”

The heritage fund supports specialised maintenance that preserves or restores the heritage state of a building or heritage item.

The trail maintenance fund helps maintain and enhance local walking and cycling trails.

The Community Infrastructure fund has $13,500 left to distribute.

Mr Brown said previous infrastructure grants had been given out for projects that were improving facilities in rural communities.

“For example, the Mayfield Memorial Hall was granted $10,000 to replace the entrance doors to the supper room, the Rakaia Pony Club was granted $10,000 to help create an all-weather arena and the South Rakaia Bach Owners Association was granted $10,000 to develop a community facility with toilets where residents can gather.”

The Creative Communities fund is administered by Council on behalf of the New Zealand Creative Communities Scheme and will be $17,850 – the scheme supports projects that increase opportunities for local participation and engagement in the arts, whether you’re making a movie, producing a play or hosting an exhibition.

Applications will open 1-31 August, and will go through an assessment process. Successful applicants will be awarded their funding in October.

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