Applications are now open for the Ashburton District Council’s community grants, with funding available until the end of March.

Community and Open Spaces Group Manager, Toni Durham said that nine council grants are available, covering everything from community events to biodiversity initiatives, and she encourages people to explore the options.

“If you’re working on something that will benefit the Mid Canterbury community, then there’s a good chance there’s funding available,” she said.

“In the past year, we’ve supported a wide range of groups and projects, from non-profits who serve adults with disabilities to native planting projects in the Mid Canterbury foothills, and we’re excited to see what comes through this round.”

Council also administers funding for the Creative Communities Scheme and the Sport New Zealand Rural Travel Fund.

“Being a rural district that prides itself on its sporting performance, this is a really popular grant,” Toni says.

“It helps subsidise travel costs for junior sports teams in rural areas, allowing them the chance to compete in regular competitions.”

The Creative Communities Scheme supports projects that encourage local participation or engagement in the arts. Over the past year, the scheme has supported a variety of creative initiatives across the district including an upcoming play from the Little Big Theatre Company and Hakatere Ceramics and Pottery’s annual exhibition.

Mid Canterbury Fund Finder

Alongside the opening of the grant round, the Council has launched the new Mid Canterbury Fund Finder, a website designed to connect community groups with funding opportunities. It replaces the previous Generosity platform that was provided through the library but was getting little use.

Toni says the new site will be more helpful for the community.

“It connects those looking for funding to a wide range of local, national and international opportunities, and it’s suitable for companies as well as non-profits, so we believe it’s going to be a really useful tool.

“In addition, once you’ve registered, Fund Finder will automatically notify you of any new funding opportunities that are a match for your profile.”

To learn more about the community grants or the Mid Canterbury Fund Finder, visit ashburtondc.govt.nz/grants.