Funding round bolsters region’s charities
Fifty-nine Hawke’s Bay charities have received a well-deserved funding boost following Hawke’s Bay Foundation’s annual distribution of grants.
This year a record $250,212 was distributed – a significant increase on recent years thanks to two additional funding streams.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, $62,000 was donated to the Hawke’s Bay Foundation Emergency Response Fund, which was established earlier this year to assist organisations severely impacted by COVID-19.
The Tindall Foundation, of which Hawke’s Bay Foundation is the proud distribution partner, provided an additional $25,000 to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Hawke’s Bay Foundation received 85 applications from community organisations totalling $587,871. As in previous years, the applications far outstripped the funds available.
The Hawke’s Bay Foundation Distributions Committee, a volunteer panel comprised of trustees and community representatives, considered all applications in light of the impact of COVID-19 on both the organisations and their clients, who will increasingly require support in the post-COVID world.
Chair of Hawke’s Bay Foundation’s Distributions Committee, Sarah Mulcahy, believes the funds will be welcomed more than ever before by the charitable sector.
“There were applications from a wide variety of organisations, all of whom play a vital role in a thriving community sector,” Sarah says.
“We are fortunate to be able to assist these worthy organisations thanks to the ongoing generosity of our donors.”
Among the 59 charities to receive funding is Central Connect Whare Manaake, a social service agency that has been providing social work support, advocacy and counselling services to the Central Hawke’s Bay community for more than 25 years.
The organisation received a grant of $11,588.49 for wages and operational costs, such as office equipment and stationery.
Central Connect Whare Manaake Manager, Jackie Aitchison says due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Central Hawke’s Bay drought happening simultaneously, she has had to employ another staff member to cope with demand on services, so the grant couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Our organisation was an essential service as the family harm responders during the COVID-19 lockdown,” Jackie says.
“Not only was our community dealing with the pandemic, many of them were also dealing with the drought which was extremely stressful.
“We are so grateful for the support from Hawke’s Bay Foundation. It means we can continue to assist our community with the support services they so desperately need to get through these unprecedented times.”
