27 Aug 2024

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Over 100 groups which help foster a sense of community across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula will receive support from Christchurch City Council.

The Funding Committee has allocated $3.89 million in grants from its Metropolitan Strengthening Communities Fund and $200,000 from the City Placemaking funding.

The Strengthening Communities Fund supports community-focused organisations whose projects contribute to the strengthening of community wellbeing in the Christchurch City and Banks Peninsula area.

Committee Chair Councillor Yani Johanson said the importance of the work these organisations do for the city cannot be understated.

“From arts, sports and multicultural organisations to youth workers, museums and groups which help protect our environment, and work to address inequity and build resilience, this funding is far reaching and invaluable,” he said.

“Last year the fund supported a little over three million volunteer hours and we’re expecting similar achievements this year. I commend the groups for the incredible work they do.”

Committee Deputy Chair Councillor Celeste Donovan said the City Placemaking Fund has been in place since 2011 and supports organisations which have made Christchurch a great place to live, work and play since the earthquake.

“Building connections between communities and their places and spaces fosters a sense of local identity and experience. I’m so pleased we continue to enable community-led placemaking.”

Here is a snapshot of some of the organisations who received a grant:  

Canterbury Youth Workers Collective - $40,000 towards the operation of Rerenga Awa | Canterbury Youth Workers Collective.

Eco Action Nursery Trust - $25,000 towards growing and planting.

Canterbury Basketball Association - $30,000 towards community basketball.

Kairos Trust - $40,000 towards Kairos food rescue.

Disabled Persons Centre Trust - $10,000 towards operations.

Life in Vacant Spaces Charitable Trust - $70,000 towards Life in Vacant Spaces work connecting owners of vacant land and buildings to those with ideas to utilise the space. 

See the full list of organisations which received funding here.