Of the Community Grants funding $10,000 is tagged for the operation of this scheme. The grant requires the neighbourhood/community to provide 50% of the 'investment' required for the project. The remaining 50% can be matched by a grant up to $500 from the fund. The fund is designed for informal neighbourhood groups. They do not need to have accounts or a separate bank account. Payment would be in the form of a work order that the group can use to purchase the goods or services.
Communities and neighbourhoods are eligible to apply for funding to support an activity that will enhance their community.
The enhancement may be:
- Aesthetic (i.e. trees, benches, parks).
- Providing a local service in the community (i.e. holiday craft programme for neighbourhood children).
- An activity that seeks to bring the community together (i.e. development of a community garden, hosting of a street party). Alcohol will not be funded.
- Communities would only be permitted to make a maximum of two applications per year.
- Matching by the community is defined as voluntary labour at the minimum wage and goods at cost price.
- Expenditure returns and comment on outcomes are due from all groups receiving funding either directly after the event or within three months of completion.
These applications are assessed by a Community Advisor and approved by the Chair of the Grants Subcommittee.
Applications can be made at any time and we endeavour to respond within ten working days
The Neighbourhood Matching Grant commenced on 1 July 2015.