Applications are being called for the Whakatāne District Annual Grants Scheme, which makes funding available to groups providing not-for-profit social services to residents.

Whakatāne District Council Administration Officer – Community, Janie Storey, says any community group or voluntary organisation based in the Whakatāne District can apply for the funding. “The Grants provide financial assistance to community-based, non-profit organisations which provide a service to the general public in the Whakatāne District,” Ms Storey says. “Multi-year funding can also be sought for a two-year period, in conjunction with the Council’s Long Term Plan.”

Ms Storey says $32,800 is expected to be available in the 2016/17 year as part of the Annual Grants scheme. “Preference will be given to groups which have a high volunteer base and provide services which the community values.”

Successful applications in the past have included funding for travel/fuel costs, training/conference fees, overhead costs, wages/salaries, building lease costs and the purchase of books in braille.

Applications for the Whakatāne District Council’s Annual Grants scheme must be received by 5 pm on Monday, 1 August 2016 and addressed to The Chief Executive, Whakatāne District Council, Private Bag 1002, Whakatāne 3158.

Application forms are available from the Council’s website, from the Civic Centre on Commerce Street, or from Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – the Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre.