Have your say about community funding scheme
MEDIA RELEASE
20 April 2009
Have your say about community funding scheme
Members of the public and community groups are being invited to have their say on next year’s funding priorities for the Community Organisation Grants Scheme (COGS).
COGS funding is available for non-profit organisations that deliver community services or run community-based projects.
A series of public meetings is being held for communities to voice their opinions about the issues they are facing. Community participation in the meetings helps ensure the organisations who receive funding are providing services that match locally identified needs.
The meetings also provide a chance for Local Distribution Committees to report on funding that was allocated in the previous year. Community groups are invited to contribute to the meetings by setting up displays and talking with members of the public who attend.
COGS grants are made by 37 volunteer local distribution committees which represent New Zealand’s diverse communities.
Last year, $14 million of COGS funding was distributed to over 3600 community groups. Most grants are for $3000 or less and contribute to ongoing running costs such as rent, travel, volunteer and administration expenses.
Since its inception in 1986 COGS has allocated $225 million of grants to community and voluntary organisations.
Applying for COGS funding is worthwhile for the majority of community groups. In 2008, COGS committees considered almost 4000 applications. Of those, 94 per cent received a grant.
More information about COGS is available at www.dia.govt.nz.
Ends
Media contact: Shawn Hollister, Senior Communications Advisor, Local Government & Community Branch, DDI 04 495 7298, Mobile 027 255 9389, email shawn.hollister@dia.govt.nz
The Whanganui / Waimarino / Rangitikei COGS Local Distribution Committees are holding public meetings as follows on:
Wanganui
Wednesday 29 April 2009 - 5pm to 7pm
St Josephs Church Hall
Guyton St, Wanganui
Ohakune
Thursday 30 April 2009 - 5pm to 7pm
Anglican Church Hall
3 Rata St, Ohakune
Taihape
Friday 1 May 2009 - 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Women's Club
Tui St, Taihape
