A February report to the Hauraki District Council Community Partnership Committee
highlighted that over $ 400,000 worth of funding has been successfully secured by
community groups in conjunction with support from the Council’s Community Advocacy
officer, and the figure keeps growing.
“It’s incredible to see the results that are coming through when community groups work
closely with Council’s Advocacy Officer”, said Mayor Toby Adams.
“We know it’s disappointing when Council sometimes has to say no to funding
applications that come to us directly. Balancing rates affordability with community needs
means we can’t do it all. We really want to stress that there are many funding streams
out there and the Council Advocacy Officer can help identify them and guide the
process”, Adams said.
“So we want to hear from you!”
One such group that didn’t hesitate to get in touch was the Paeroa Bowling Club who are
now the proud recipients of a boundary fence and additional sets of bowls specifically for
community use, thanks to working closely with Council.
The partnership between the Advocacy Officer and the Bowling Club involved a clear,
strategic approach to funding applications including prioritising the goals of different
funders, reviewing application timelines, and coordinating a plan. And not giving up when
there were setbacks.
“Persistence and planning is key – every community group should have Council’s
Advocacy Officer’s contact details on speed dial!” said Mayor Toby. “You never know
where it might lead!”
This year, the Community Advocacy Officer will be holding free funding workshops on a
variety of topics around the fundamentals of grant applications, fundraising and much
more.These will be held at the Hauraki District Council Office in Paeroa.
To register your
interest for the workshops or to discuss funding a particular project, please get in touch
via email to the Council Advocacy Officer at info@hauraki-dc.govt.com, or by calling
Council on 0800 734 834 (in district) or 07 862 8609.
Photos of Paeroa Bowling Club used with permission from photographer, Martin
Douglas
