1 Sep 2023

Share this story

Local Christchurch groups have been granted $2.6 million of funding from the Christchurch City Council.

Each year, Council sets aside money in the Metropolitan Strengthening Communities Fund to provide financial support that empowers the many groups and organisations who play a key role throughout the city.

Metropolitan Strengthening Communities Fund Chairperson, Councillor Yani Johanson says funding the organisations helps them to continue with their work improving the wellbeing of the local community.

“I acknowledge the vitally important role that the not-for-profit community sector play in providing support for many people across our city. Especially in this current economic climate, their contribution is invaluable to making the city a better place to be,” says Councillor Johanson.

Metropolitan Strengthening Communities Fund Deputy Chair, Councillor Celeste Donovan says “This Council funding supports these not-for-profit organisations including many volunteers to make our communities stronger.

“The value of their contribution far exceeds the financial contributions we make. We are incredibly grateful for all the hard work they do,” says Councillor Donovan.

Some of the groups that will receive grants are:

Orana Wildlife Trust - $150,000 towards the Orana Wildlife Park contributing towards staff salary and wage costs.

Tagata Moana Trust - $20,000 towards the Tu Mana Moana project. 

Ōtautahi Creative Spaces Trust - $40,000 each year for three years to support creative wellbeing services for people with experience of mental distress and trauma in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Youthline Central South Island - $25,000 each year for three years for Youth Helpline & Community Wellbeing Response.

Christchurch Community House Te Whakaruruhau ki Ōtautahi Trust - $90,000 this year, $97,500 in year two and $105,000 in year three to contribute towards operating costs. 

Presbytarian Support (Upper South Island) - $10,000 for the Family Works Parenting programmes in Christchurch.

Volunteering Canterbury - $40,000 each year for three years to support operational funding.

Special Olympics Canterbury - $20,000 each year for three years to enrich the lives of people of all ages with intellectual disabilities.

View a full list of organisations that received grants at the 30 August Funding Committee meeting here.