Catholic Social Services funding request declined in Otago

In the funding round, councillors agreed to distribute $113,240 from a pool of $151,000. But a request from Catholic Social Services was declined, as was an application by Momentum Trust, which assists people on community probation and those coming out of the prison system with financial literacy and job hunting.

Council community lead Rebecca Williams said Momentum Trust was Auckland-based and not from the local community, even though they worked in other areas.

Councillor Neil Gillespie asked why the ratepayers should fund the service and Central Otago Mayor Tamah Alley agreed, suggesting the probation service should be filling that need.

Similarly, while Catholic Social Services did great work,Mrs Alley said, there needed to be caution around funding social services as the need was so great.

The Central Otago District Council website states that community grants support community-driven initiatives that enhance the well-being of residents. Such projects must demonstrate a clear connection to one or more aspects of community well-being (social, economic, environmental and cultural). The projects must also be community-led and should build and strengthen community organisations, among other criteria.

FULL STORY

Heritage, arts win support in community funding round (By Julie Asher/Otago Daily Times)

Funding Grants (Central Otago District Council)