The Nikau Foundation has opened its round of funding for 2023.
The community foundation’s annual grants round opened recently for not-for-profit organisations in the Greater Wellington region, including Wairarapa.
In the most recent 2021-22 funding round, the foundation gave over $100,000 to Wairarapa-based organisations, including $5000 to mental health organisation Yellow Brick Road, $3500 to Digital Seniors to expand its rest home services, and $3000 to help Seasons of Growth deliver grief support programmes.
The grants are aimed to help keep bills paid, expand services, or invest in turning dreams into reality.
Nikau Foundation Executive Director Emma Lewis said every organisation needs different kinds of support to grow and give back to the community.
“Whether they need a bit of extra help to keep the lights on and the rent paid, to pay their team, or help more people in their communities, we’re here to help their good mahi [work] to grow.”
She said funding is particularly important after the pandemic.
“For community organisations, this funding can be transformative. Funding can sometimes be the difference between an idea on paper and an idea in motion.”
Nikau Wairarapa chair John Gilberthorpe said there are many “amazing” organisations in the region.
“We’re looking forward to providing support to these organisations, and our communities, through funding this year,” he said.
Wairarapa Earth School founder Emilie Neubauer said the funding assisted its gardening programme.
“Nikau Foundation funding allowed us to employ a part-time garden teacher/coordinator who was able to run workshops for schools and maintain our teaching garden for schools and community members to visit and learn in.”
Applications close on March 20; see www.nikaufoundation.nz for more information
