Council’s community grants help build stronger communities

6 September 2006

Helping adult literacy, an ethnic women’s 24-hour crisis help line, co-ordination of volunteers, paid lifeguard support and promotion of the ecological health of Lake Ellesmere are among the more than 80 grants given this year by the Christchurch City Council’s Metropolitan Funding Sub-committee.

Annually, the sub-committee distributes more than $4 million in grants to community organisations which help promote grassroots infrastructures to build stronger communities.

Mayor Garry Moore says this is a significant financial commitment by Council to support its community.

“Throughout the years the Council had formed strong relationships with various organisations that help deliver essential services and aid the Council to achieve its Community Outcomes as outlined in the 2006-16 Long Term Council Community Plan.

“This funding support recognises the valuable work these groups undertake in our community, contributing significantly to enhancing the welfare of our residents.

“For many of the groups, this is core funding that ensures their continued operation and success in our community,” Garry Moore says.

The Metropolitan Funding Sub-committee provides grants in a variety of categories. These include community services, economic development, arts and heritage, recreation and sport, environment and parks, corporate services, community loans and events seeding.

This represents half of the Council’s annual commitment to funding community projects to the tune of $8.2 million.

Garry Moore says the Council is currently reviewing its community grants funding policies to ensure these best meet the needs of its community. This review is expected to be complete early next year.

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