The community grants program launched by OneFortyOne in July 2021 supports grassroot community organisations in New Zealand. Since its inception, OneFortyOne has been dedicated to the local communities that form the backbone of its operations. At the core of this commitment lies its Grants Program. Source: Timberbiz
“Since we launched, we have supported 55 community projects in the region, contributing over NZ$145,000 in funding and building materials through the community grants programme,” communications manager Kylie Reeves said.
“There are a lot of people doing amazing things in the community, but funding is a real challenge for community groups, and it’s only getting harder and harder. From a OneFortyOne perspective we try and make the applications as easy as possible, it’s an online process and we keep reporting requirements to a minimum. We believe that regional communities are exciting places to live and sometimes just need a funding boost to start something incredible.”
Applications are assessed on a bi-monthly basis, giving consideration to objectives and impact.
“This ensures the process is fair –but otherwise we leave it to applicants to let us know what they need most,” Ms Reeves said.
The community of Rai Valley are recent recipients of a grant which enabled them to purchase an asset not only for the school but also to help build the community’s resilience to events such as the 2022 floods.
Coordinator Tania Billingsley first became aware of the OneFortyOne Grants Program during that time.
“We realised what the school needed to be able to provide a welfare centre for the local community when were cut off by natural disaster. The grant has enabled us to purchase two commercial portable ovens for the school that can be run off a generator. During an emergency we can now feed up to 200 people simply and easily from anywhere within our valley. They have also meant that during sports tournaments, and any other major community events, we now have the flexibility to easily feed a large group,” she said.
Jimmy van Der Calk, the General Manager for Wanderers Sports Club added that it is important that when applying to ensure it is for something that aligns with your organisation’s strategy/purpose and One-FortyOne’s PINE objectives. If this alignment is not there the application will either be declined. As recipients, the grants have enabled the club to install a new basketball court at their base in Brightwater.
“We had an underutilised court next to our clubrooms. It appeared old and run down and equipment was outdated so it was no surprise people weren’t using it. We wanted to turn it into a place our community would want to use. We pitched the idea of a basketball court to OneFortyOne and they saw the benefit and approved funding for the project,” Mr van Der Calk said.
“The application process is very simple, but applicants should take the time to prepare supporting documents such as project costings and a cover letter ex-plaining why the project is important and what the benefits will be.
“The majority of non-profits will find the application process simple when compared to typical grant funding.”
