Western Bay's $160k Community Matching Fund Opens for Applications

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has opened applications for its Community Matching Fund, with $160,000 available to support projects that strengthen, connect and uplift the rohe. The fund is split into a General Fund of $100,000 for social, recreational and cultural initiatives, and an Environmental Fund of $60,000 for projects focused on the natural environment.

Grants are allocated on a 50/50 matching basis, with the council contributing a cash grant equal to half the project cost. The community's matching contribution can be made up of any combination of volunteer labour, donated professional services or cash. A previous recipient, Chrome Collective Charitable Trust, received funding in 2024 to support vocational training for people with disabilities.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).