Community grants help local organisations pay for specific projects or maintenance of facilities that benefit Thames Coromandel communities.

Thames Coromandel District Council has announced the recipients of the 2014/15 Community Grants this month after applications were assessed by each community board.

The Thames Coromandel District Council has announced the recipients of the 2014/15 Community Grants this month.

Chief executive David Hammond congratulates all the recipients and says it was a tough decision for the individual community boards.

'As always there were more applicants than funds, [it is] really good to see money going back to the communities for the benefit of all.”

The Coromandel-Colville Community Board allocated $13,300 in funding to a total of 11 groups, including $2500 to the Coromandel Youth Forum for venue hire and equipment, and $2500 to the Coromandel Youth Support Association to assist with administration costs.

The Mercury Bay Community Board allocated $55,818.30 in funding to a total of 28 groups, including $4951 to the Mercury Bay Recreation Trust for trestle tables and chairs at the Mercury Bay Sports Park, and $3500 to the Mercury Bay Art Escape Trust to contribute to the design and printing of the Mercury Bay Art Escape 2014/15 guide.

The Tairua-Pauanui Community Board allocated $32,000 in funding to a total of 11 groups, including $7000 to the Pauanui Sports and recreation club to contribute towards its annual summer series, and $8000 to the Tairua-Pauanui Community Promotions for its annual New Year's fireworks display – which includes $1750 in maintenance costs on the community barge.

The Thames Community Board allocated $15,000 to a total of nine groups, including $3000 to the Surf 2 Firth Events Trust for its Bush Marathon event, and $5000 to the Thames Society of Arts for the 2014 Thames Arts Festival – Steam Punk Circus Event.

Lastly, the Whangamata Community Board allocated $25,514 to a total of 12 groups, including $4850 to the Whangamata RSA to assist with a special ANZAC Day Service commemorating its 100th Anniversary, and $5000 to the Whangamata Summer Festival Inc. as a donation towards entertainment, sound, lighting and security for the event being held January 2-3, 2015.

All groups who have been allocated funding are required to complete the Expenditure Declaration form following expenditure of the grant prior to June 30, 2015.

For more information about community grants and funding criteria visit www.tcdc.govt.nz/communitygrants