Council’s annual grants round opens on 1 March, along with a new online tool to help community groups and others looking for funds for their projects.

There are nine different Council funds available, from biodiversity and mountainbike trail maintenance, to heritage and community events, as well as funds from the Creative Communities Scheme and Sport New Zealand Travel Fund.

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday 31 March.

Group Manager of Community and Open Spaces Toni Durham said Council was also launching ADC Funding Finder, an online directory of all grants and funding sources.

“Council has teamed up with GrantGuru to make this tool free and accessible for our community groups, not-for-profits, businesses and individuals and it lists all government and private sector grants that are available. It covers grants available regionally, nationally and outside of New Zealand, and it has some great tips on how to help make your application successful.”

Users need to register to use GrantGuru and they can also sign up to receive alerts about funding programmes relevant to them as they became available.

Mrs Durham said Government and private corporations offered grants to fulfil their strategic policies and aims.

“When your project aligns with these aims and goals then there is more chance of an application being successful. But it can be tricky describing your project and making a case for funding, and that is why the GrantGuru tips are so useful.”

The Methven Community Board also offers grants year-round via its discretionary fund with recently introduced funding rounds.

More info about Council’s grants can be found at ashburtondc.govt.nz/grants. From 1 March, Council’s grants webpage will also include a link to the new Mid Canterbury Fund Finder on GrantGuru.