South Wairarapa District Council is putting the capital C in Community with a new Wellbeing Fund of $500,000 available now for individuals and groups to build wellbeing initiatives that benefit the whole community.
The funding comes from Te Tari Taiwhenua, the Department of Internal Affairs, from the Better Off support packages provided to Local Authorities under the Three Waters Reform. It is a one off funding opportunity that is not being funded through rates.
“We believe that by investing in projects that support social, cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing, we can create a vibrant, resilient and inclusive district where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” says Janice Smith, Council Chief Executive.
Details about application criteria are outlined on South Wairarapa District Council’s website.
The council is seeking opportunities to invest in initiatives that:
- Support communities to transition to a sustainable and low emissions economy, and/or
- support improvements in community wellbeing.
The council will evaluate applications under four key wellbeing outcomes:
- Social Wellbeing – Residents are active, healthy, safe, resilient, optimistic and connected
- Cultural Wellbeing – Strong relationships with whānau, hāpu and marae, celebrating diverse cultural identity, arts and heritage
- Economic Wellbeing – A place of destination, new business and diverse employment that gives people independence and opportunity
- Environmental Wellbeing – Sustainable living, safe and secure water and soils, waste minimisation, biodiversity enhanced
Wellbeing projects that could meet the criteria for applications to the new fund include such things as school garden to table projects, community solar projects and green initiatives. Applications can also focus on community events, waste reduction workshops or environmental education projects, among other initiatives that benefit community wellbeing.
Applications will be assessed on 24 July, 4 September and 27 November 2024 by a Community Wellbeing Fund Subcommittee of Councillors, the Chief Executive, representatives from the Community Boards and the Māori Standing Committee.
Find out more and apply today at swdc.govt.nz/cwbf/
