Readers once braved frostbite when they visited the small Mt Somers community library, now a new heat pump makes the building toasty for both visitors and those who work there.

Council’s Democracy and Engagement Group Manager Toni Durham said the library successfully applied for a $3800 community development grant from the Council last year.

“It was a freezing old building and the volunteers were often warmer sitting outside in the sunny porch. It’s a great example of Council grants making a real and practical difference.”

The library is just one organisation that has benefited over the last year from a Council grant. Mrs Durham is now encouraging other groups and individuals to think about projects that could qualify for the February round of funding which opens this week.

“Many of the grants Council gives to community groups and organisations are on a smaller scale, but they make a huge difference to the people seeking them,” said Mrs Durham.

“Council also gives more substantial grants, which help get major projects off the ground, for the benefit of the whole district.”

The grants available in February include those for community development, biodiversity, heritage and local events. A second round of grants will open in March and include funding for regional events, trail maintenance, art projects and travel costs for junior sports teams.

“In the last year, grants have been used for everything from new carpet at the Allenton Rugby Club to supporting the HYPE Youth Health Centre,” said Mrs Durham. “If you are part of a group or project that provides a benefit to our community, then there’s a good chance it may be eligible for one of the community grants.”

Mrs Durham encourages any organisation or group that has questions or needs assistance with their application to get in touch with the Council.

Applications for the first round of grants will close at the end of February, and people can find out more and apply online at ashburtondc.govt.nz/grants.

Some of the grants available include:

• Community Project Grant - Funding for projects that maintain or enhance residents’ quality of life.
• Community Agency Grant - Helping community organisations with their operational costs.
• Community Events Grant - Funding for new community events or building the capacity of existing events.
• Community Infrastructure Grant - Support for the development and maintenance of memorial and community halls, and reserve board infrastructure.
• School Holiday Programme Grant - Support for school holiday programmes that cater for children aged 5-14 years.
• Heritage Grant - Support for maintenance that preserves or restores a heritage building or item.
• Biodiversity Grant - Funding for projects that aim to protect, maintain or restore biodiversity.