Bowling clubs could apply for $1000 funding from Sport NZ. PHOTO/FILE
CHRIS COGDALE
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Sport Wellington Wairarapa are urging sporting bodies to tap into the Sport New Zealand Community Resilience Fund which opened on Monday.
The $25 million package is aimed at providing short term relief for regional and local organisations financially impacted by the disruption created by the covid-19 restrictions.
Clubs can apply for an immediate grant of $1000, while regional recreation and sports organisations can apply for up to $40,000.
Sport Wellington Wairarapa commercial development and marketing manager Kirsten Kilmister encouraged sports organisations to get their applications in early.
“Because it’s a rolling fund, where funds are distributed as applications are approved rather than waiting until the close-off date, it is first in first served, but having said that, we’re not expecting the fund to run out in the first couple of weeks,” she said.
“The money can be applied towards fixed costs only incurred [or apportioned] between April 1 and June 30, for example power, phone, rent, insurance, rates, equipment hire, audit fees, etc.”
The fund can also cover the costs of events or programmes that had to be cancelled, not just delayed, because of covid-19, where the costs can’t be eliminated.
Kilmister said that regional organisations such as rugby, netball, hockey, cricket, swimming, bowls [indoors and outdoors], croquet, equestrian, shooting, and tennis could be eligible for the maximum $40,000 grant.
However, the fund does not cover costs relating to new programmes or events, costs associated with professional athletes, professional sports teams, academies, or representative teams, and capital expenditure.
Also excluded are costs that are already covered by other relief arrangements such as support from regional or national organisations, a rent holiday, the council or other landowner reducing charges for the use of facilities, rates relief, the Government’s wages subsidy, or wage and salary costs.
Maori sports clubs and organisations, which are not affiliated to a national body, but can gain endorsement from one of Sport NZ’s Maori partners, could also be eligible for financial support through the fund.
A whanau, hapu, iwi, or Maori grouping may only apply to one Regional Sport Trust that is within their hapu or tribal boundary.
A group that has individuals as members can apply for up to $1000, while a regional group that represents at national events and which is recognised as hapu, or as iwi can apply for up to $40000.
Applications for the Sport NZ Community Resilience Fund close on June 19 and full details are available on the Sport Wellington Wairarapa website.
Kilmister said they can assist with an application if necessary.
“If once you’ve read through the information, guidelines and FAQs on the Sport Wellington website, you have queries, email [email protected]
“This is being checked regularly throughout the day between 8am-6pm.”
