Hawke’s Bay Foundation is delighted to invite applications for their 2020 annual funding round.

Local registered charities have from 18 May until 22 June to apply online at www.hawkesbayfoundation.org.nz for a grant.

The Foundation considers funding for groups that make a difference in the community, with the focus on community connectedness, social development, health, children and youth issues, older adults, arts and culture and the natural environment.

Funding is available for a wide range of activities including operating costs, however some sectors such as schools, individuals and sports clubs are exempt.

This year the Foundation’s annual pot of funds are boosted by more than $60,000 thanks to generous locals who gave to the Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

In fact, the Emergency Response Fund remains open for donations and Hawke’s Bay Foundation Development Manager, Amy Bowkett says she is heartened by the amount of donations the fund has received in such a short amount of time.

“The generosity of Hawke’s Bay people during the time of a global crisis is quite astounding. We are honoured to distribute these funds on their behalf to local organisations who are in dire need of assistance,” Amy says.

All completed applications will be reviewed by the Foundation’s Distributions Committee to ensure funds are directed to where they will have the greatest impact, with special consideration going to organisations severely impacted by COVID-19.

Hawke’s Bay Foundation Trustee, Sarah Mulcahy says Hawke’s Bay charities work and the people they serve is more important this year than any other.

“2020 is a year where our community will need more support than any other period of recent times,” Sarah says.

“Never has the charitable sector been more needed or more vulnerable. The Foundation is proud to be able to support charities through these tough times ahead and this will be at the forefront of our minds when we consider applications for funding this year.”

Hawke’s Bay Foundation also acts as the local funding manager for The Tindall Foundation, with all applications automatically assessed against Tindall criteria.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome by mid-September.

If you are unsure whether you can apply to Hawke’s Bay Foundation for funding, please email [email protected] or contact the office on 06 870 4648 (please leave a message if office is unattended).