The Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Community Matching Fund is now open, with $140,000 available to help fund projects that make a difference across the rohe.

The Fund is made up of a General Fund for social, recreational and cultural initiatives ($100,000) and an Environmental Fund for projects associated with the natural environment ($40,000), says a statement from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

"Grants are matched on a ‘50/50’ basis – Council’s half is a cash grant, while the community contribution can be made up of any combination of volunteer labour, donated professional services, funds raised through other means and/or donations.

"The amount contributed by Council is most commonly between $1000 to $10,000."

Last year, 32 general and 13 environmental projects benefited from the Community Matching Fund, including Ōropi School who received a $3000 grant towards steel garden arches for their māra kai beds, so they could grow produce for their Garden to Table programme.

To assist potential applicants, Council is holding a series of walk-in workshop sessions at local library and service centres, where people can ask questions and receive guidance on their applications.

The workshop schedule is as follows, with all sessions running from 11:30am to 1 pm:

Monday, July 15: Te Puke Library and Service Centre, Boardroom

Tuesday, July 16: Ōmokoroa Library and Service Centre, Whakamarama Room (downstairs)

Wednesday, July 17: The Centre – Pātuki Manawa, McKinney Room

Thursday, July 18: Waihī Beach Library and Service Centre

To find out more, visit https://www.westernbay.govt.nz/community/grants-and-funding/community-matching-fund-faqs, email communitymatchingfund@westernbay.govt.nz, or phone 0800 926 732.