The South Wairarapa District Council Finance Committee has allocated a portion of the 2023-24 Community & Youth Grant Fund to a variety of organisations from across South Wairarapa.
Council’s policy seeks to support and resource initiatives that meet identified community needs, which contribute to community empowerment and strengthen communities. Community and Youth Grants are primarily for the benefit of the district’s residents. This year the fund was reduced by $50,000 and Council would like to acknowledge the incredible services and support that many groups provide for our community.
Martin Bosley, acting chair of the Committee said how difficult it was to make these decisions with such an impressive pool of applications.
“We were impressed at the level of commitment to the community we saw through the organisations seeking funding. We’re confident in the decisions we made and I’m looking forward to seeing these initiatives come to life in the community.”
The Committee reviewed and considered 31 applications. While the total fund is $120,000, there is a portion still to be allocated with requests for further information given to some applicants. These will be reviewed at the next Finance Committee meeting. Funds so far have been awarded to the following:
| Organisation | Project or Event | Allocation |
| Featherston Community Centre Charitable Trust | Support Services and activities for the South Wairarapa Community | $3,000 |
| Access Radio | Continued development of radio services South Wairarapa | $1,000 |
| RNZSPCA – Masterton Centre | To support the SPCA in providing services in the South Wairarapa | $1,000 |
| Wings Over Wairarapa Charitable Trust | Sponsorship of Take Flight, STEM Education Program for Schools | $5,000 |
| Wairarapa Road Safety Council | To support youth in graduating with their restricted licences, and instill safe driving practice | $5,000 |
| Martinborough WaiWaste & Foodbox Charitable Company | Supporting food boxes for Martinborough, Greytown, and the rural communities of South Wairarapa | $15,000 |
| Greytown Scout Group (South Wairarapa Wide) | To support youth in attendance at Scout Jamboree | $2,200 |
| Country Village Heaven Trust | Festival of Christmas Support | $5,000 |
| Booktown | Sponsorship for Young Readers Program | $25,544 |
| Wellington Free Ambulance | Ongoing support for services to the South Wairarapa | $11,750 |
| Total | $74,494 |
