Tuesday 17 November 2009

Funding applications closing soon

Clutha District Council is urging residents to check their eligibility before applications close on three of the funding schemes it administers.

After distributing over $3,800 amongst six different groups last funding round, applications have so far been slow coming in for the second funding round for 2009/10 for the Creative Communities NZ Scheme.

The scheme is designed to stimulate and provide support to local arts and cultural activities that increase participation and/or increase the range and diversity, making the arts more attractive and relevant to the various communities in the district.

Grants made in the last funding round, for example, included $500 towards a Clutha Country Music Club talent quest, $500 towards the Lawrence Summer Arts Festival, and $1,000 towards the South Otago Festival Trust’s Community Christmas Show.

Applications for the second round of four rounds for Creative NZ funding for 2009/10 close on Monday 30 November.

Meanwhile, applications are being called for the Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) Rural Travel Fund designed to provide a travel subsidy to organisations participating in a local sporting competition. It is targeted at rural school teams and rural sports clubs with young people aged 5-19 years.

The fund was set up to help encourage participation in sports by young people living in rural communities. Last year, a total $9,100 was distributed amongst 20 schools and club sports teams throughout the district.

Applications for the 2009/10 SPARC Rural Travel Fund close on Friday 4 December 2009.

Finally, applications also remain open for the Tuapeka County Bursary, which is available to young people who reside in the former Tuapeka County area including the Lawrence, Roxburgh and Tapanui townships. The Bursary is designed to assist them with their attendance at tertiary education institutions.

The Bursary is administered by a panel of trustees appointed by both the Clutha District Council and the Roxburgh Community Board of the Central Otago District Council. A minimum bursary of $1,000 is available on an annual basis and is paid to the successful applicant(s) by 31 January 2010.

Applications for the 2010 Tuapeka County Bursary close Friday 4 December 2009.

Anyone wanting more information on any of these funding schemes, including application forms, should call Council on 03 419 0200, visit their nearest Council Service Centre or go to the Council website by clicking here.

ENDS