Charitable causes receive $741,495 boost

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) recently approved $741,495 to charitable causes in their funding region.

 Among the ten grants approved was $45,290 granted to MINT Charitable Trust to run their weekly programmes, community events and volunteer programme.

 “At MINT, we believe that disability is not a limit,” says Charlotte Jackson, Programme Manager for MINT. “We are committed to working with individuals and families to build a community of acceptance, where everyone can thrive and contribute.”

MINT works with other organisations such as QLDC Sports, Wānaka Community Workshop and Kahu Youth to deliver these programmes within the community.

“These adapted programmes enhance connection and a sense of belonging, support skill development and improve physical and mental wellbeing for those with intellectual disabilities,” says Jackson.

$30,000 was also granted to Mountainbikers of Alexandra Inc towards the creation of pump track at the bike park in Alexandra.

 “A pump track is great way to improve technical skills,” says committee member Craig Ross. “Unlike a regular bike track, you build up speed by using the rollers and banked turns on the track, not by pedalling.”

Pump tracks serve a wide user group as they can also be ridden with any type of bicycle as well as skateboards, scooters, inline skates and other sports equipment with wheels and rollers.

“By adding the pump track to the existing facilities at the bike park will create a real community asset not only for locals but also visitors to the area,” adds Ross.

This funding round closed out CLT’s 2023/24 financial year with a total of $8,737,686 grants approved. At its board meeting held on 11 March 2024, CLT set its grants budget for the 2024/25 financial year, commencing 1 April 2024, at $10.9 million.

“In an economy where everyone feeling the pinch we are very thankful that our prudent investment strategy enables us to maintain a healthy grants budget,” says Linda Robertson, Chair of CLT. “It is a privilege supporting the many organisations in our region that work to make our community a better place.”

View all grants approved here.

$1.3 million grant boost for local communities

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) announced today the disbursement of $1.3 million in grants to deserving charitable organisations within the Central Lakes region. This latest allocation brings the total awarded for the 2023/24 financial year to $7.99 million.

Among the recipients, the Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust (SLS) received a pivotal $223,425 operational grant. This support recognises the Trust's crucial role in coordinating and amplifying the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and over 100 community and landowner groups engaged in predator control across the region.

Paul Kavanagh, Project Director of SLS says, “CLT’s generous support will be pivotal to enable us to maintain the gains that we have achieved in our project to date and to greatly increase our conservation efforts to protect our native species across our district.”

SLS's work spans a vast 163,000-hectare area, exceeding their initial target by 30,000 hectares. The Trust aims to expand this area further to 185,000 hectares by March 2025. Since 2022, they have facilitated the removal of over 35,555 predators, contributing significantly to the recovery of native species and habitat restoration.

In addition to environmental sustainability, CLT also prioritises the well-being and vibrancy of local communities. This is reflected in the $250,000 grant awarded to the Alexandra River Park Project. This project, which has been in the pipeline since 2017, aims to rejuvenate the lower Tarbert Street area in Alexandra by creating a new public space at the junction of the Mata-Au and Manuherekia rivers.

“This grant from Central Lakes Trust is a major step forward in the project to rejuvenate lower Tarbert Street and provide connection to our trails and rivers,” says Rory McLellan, Riverside Park Trust chairman. “We’re grateful to Central Lakes Trust for their support, as we continue work together with CODC on securing full funding for the project.”

Other significant grants approved in this round included $223,557 to the Whakatipu Rowing Club for their clubhouse redevelopment project and $123,855 to Food for Love to support their operations in the next financial year.

See all grants approved

Central Lakes Trust grants more than $2.5 million to community initiatives

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) approved 37 grants amounting to more than $2.5 million during its recent board meeting held on 13 November 2023. This is the largest funding allocation of the 2023/24 financial year.

Over half of the approved grants has been allocated to initiatives directly benefiting our youth, including $320,000 to Wakatipu Youth Trust, $260,000 to Kahu Youth, and $154,476 to Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust to support their operational costs. Many of CLT’s operational grants are multi-year grants, meaning that organisations have certainty of funding for up to three years. This enables them to continue their valuable work in empowering our younger generation through mentorship, educational resources, and essential support systems.

“It is paramount for us to invest in our youth as they are the future stewards of our community.” says Linda Robertson, Chair of CLT. “Their potential, creativity, and enthusiasm inspire us to continue supporting initiatives that empower and nurture their talents, ensuring a bright and promising tomorrow for the CLT region.”

Photo: Whakatipu Youth Trust

Alexandra Elim Church Trust received a $250,000 grant towards the construction of a multi-purpose community space in Alexandra. The comprehensive plan includes a 215-seat auditorium, two multi-functional spaces, and a commercial kitchen.

“Over the past 3 years we have been developing plans and raising funds to transform our property at into a modern, multi-purpose facility,” says Aaron More, Senior Pastor at Alexandra Elim Church. “This grant will help us start the project in early 2024 and will result in a fantastic facility that will not only be used by the church but also by various groups that serve our community. We are grateful for the support of Central Lakes Trust and look forward to seeing this project become a reality”

In addition to the existing programmes that will benefit from the space, Alexandra Elim Church Trust also envisions new initiatives such as a School of Arts to offer affordable after-school music, dance, and drama lessons being established.

Artist’s impression of the new multi-purpose community space.

After this funding round, the total grants approved to date for the financial year ending 31 March 2024 amounts to $6.7 million.

Click here to see all grants approved.

CLT supports KiwiHarvest’s double-edged solution

It is not often that a project addresses two major issues at once, but that is exactly what KiwiHarvest is doing. This charitable organisation reduces waste by “rescuing” surplus food, and then channels it to those in need of food support. Working with a wide network of community organisations, KiwiHarvest provides around 6,800 meals per week in the Central Lakes Trust (CLT) region.  

“The board was very impressed by how KiwiHarvest combines social wellbeing with positive environmental impact,” says Mat Begg, Grants Manager for CLT. “Their dedication to supporting families in need while reducing food waste is not only admirable, but also serves as a shining example of how organisations can create meaningful change.” 

At the CLT board meeting held on 25 September 2023 a grant totalling $111,775 was approved to support KiwiHarvest with operational costs over the coming 18 months. 

Another significant grant approved was $100,000 to Age Concern Otago. Their support extends to addressing housing-related issues, legal matters, health promotion seminars, education on safe computer usage, safe driving, and combating loneliness and isolation, particularly affecting the elderly.  

“As our elderly population continues to grow, the work of Age Concern Otago becomes increasingly important. CLT has a longstanding relationship with Age Concern Otago, and we are proud to continue supporting their efforts through the coming year.” 

Alexandra Community House received $71,600 towards the modification of their foyer. This project will benefit the over 180 users and groups that make use of the space by increasing its security, accessibility, and usability. Additionally, the proposed changes will create a more inviting atmosphere to draw people in.

To view the full list of grants approved in this round please click here.

Cromwell Menz Shed to construct purpose-built facility

The Cromwell Menz Shed will soon have a new space to call their own thanks to a $197,068 grant awarded to them by Central Lakes Trust (CLT).

This new facility will benefit the members of the Cromwell Menz Shed and the wider community in a few fundamental ways. Practically speaking, this fit-for-purpose space will provide the opportunity to access a range of tools and machinery, learn new skills and pass skills on to others, take on local community projects, and come together to interact with other likeminded people.

“The Menz Shed members are extremely grateful for the assistance provided by CLT, says Russell Fowler, trustee of the Cromwell Menz Shed Charitable Trust. “This funding adds to the $135,000 the Sheddies have raised themselves along with assistance from Lions and Rotary. The “shed” will allow us to at least double our membership and further the community-led projects undertaken. The Menz Shed is integral to the community network as it creates an environment where topics such as personal wellbeing and other men's health issues can safely be discussed either one-on-one or in an organised group session.”

Another of the grants approved at the CLT board meeting held on 14 August 2023 was $55,000 to ADL (formerly Adventure Development Ltd). ADL is one of the largest providers of community based youth mental health services in the lower South Island with 11 full time staff members made up of occupational Therapists, Counsellors, Social Workers, Nurses and Psychologists working in the CLT region.

“We are incredibly thankful to the Central Lakes Trust for their grant of $55,000 towards ADL’s operating costs this year,” says Clive McArthur, Chief Executive of ADL. “As an organisation delivering youth mental health and addiction services across all areas of the Central Lakes region, we have significantly ramped up our delivery of services to meet increasing demand (ADL’s accepted referrals in Central Lakes have increased by 50% since 2019). As costs including room hire, travel, and salaries, increase across the board, this grant will make a real difference in ADL’s ability to continue providing high quality and accessible services throughout Central Lakes.”

Fourteen grants were approved in this funding round, bringing the total grants approved to date for the financial year ending 31 March 2024 to $3.7 million.

To view a complete list of all grants awarded, please click here.

Social and emergency services the focus of first CLT grants round.

There was a real flavour of supporting social and emergency services in the region at Central Lakes Trust’s first meeting of the new financial year.

Over 30 of the grants in the first meeting of the year were associated with social service provision and reflect the very important role that these services provide in our community.

One of those was Whānau Āwhina Plunket who were awarded a multi-3-year grant of $75,000 pa to continue the provision of community services in this area. Plunket provides a number of services across our region including the Plunket rooms (where parents can come to for a quiet safe place to feed, change etc. their babies), support groups, parenting education, play groups, car seat and safety services, injury prevention services, special family events and a number of volunteering opportunities. Trust Chief Executive Barbara Bridger said, “The Trust is pleased to offer support to continue these much needed services for our region’s young families.”

Whānau Āwhina Plunket Southern Regional Operations Manager Maria Van Der Plas says the charity is truly grateful for the ongoing support we receive from the Central Lakes Trust, especially in the current environment.

“The grant is a much-needed boost to Whānau Āwhina Plunket’s local community and injury prevention services. The grant will go towards coffee groups, playgrounds and injury prevention education sessions and the like, which are so important to keep our families with pēpi and tamariki under-five connected and supported in those crucial early years, setting them up for healthy futures.”

Whānau Āwhina Plunket offers clinics across Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts.

Support was also given to Hato Hone St John for a new ambulance in Alexandra to replace one of its ageing fleet. The Trust’s grant contribution of $100k will allow the organisation to move forward with ensuring this ambulance is available for the community by August 2023.

Debbie Zwies – Hato Hone St John Fundraising Manager South & National Gifts in Wills Manager said ”Hato Hone St John is very grateful for the generosity and partnership of the Central Lakes Trust. With this funding we can now purchase a much-needed Generation Four emergency ambulance to support our frontline teams in Alexandra in the Central Otago response area.

Over an average 12-month period in Alexandra and the Central Otago Region, an individual transporting ambulance responds to over 1,500 incidents with around 32 percent triaged as life threatening or time critical.

Without the support of CLT and other trusts, foundations, individuals, and corporate donors, we simply wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

“The Trust started granting on a multi-year basis several years ago to make it less onerous for groups applying for funding and provide security of income. For those we have a strong working relationship with and who operate in the social service sector, we can fund for successive years” Grants Manager, Mat Begg says.

In total over $2.6 million was approved for the first meeting of the Trust’s financial year, being approximately 28% of the Trust’s grants budget of $9.45 million. Of this total $1.57 million in multi-year grants were granted.

See full list of Grants Approved