Sporting organisations across the Hibiscus Coast and wider Auckland region are being encouraged to apply for their share of a $508,000 fund aimed at increasing participation in sport and recreation.

Applications for Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Regional Programme Grant opened on 10 March and will remain open until 6 April 2025.

The grant is specifically designed to support programmes that offer affordable sporting opportunities, targeting children, young people, Māori communities and inactive groups.

Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of Auckland Council’s Community Committee, highlighted the grant's importance, saying, “Many tamariki and rangatahi across Auckland love participating in sports, physical activity and recreation. The grant aims to fund organisations that enable children and young people to develop skills, so they can enjoy sport and recreation activities now and into adulthood.”

Kenneth Aiolupotea, general manager of Community Wellbeing at Auckland Council, is encouraging applications from eligible groups, particularly those with a regional focus.

“Auckland Council encourages sports organisations including community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations to apply for the grant."

Organisations eligible for the funding include:

• Community groups, charities, and voluntary organisations
• Play, recreation, and sport “umbrella organisations” with regional reach
• Regional federations or groupings of local sports organisations
• Sport and recreation providers and advocacy groups
• Iwi and Māori organisations active in sport and recreation

The council recommends applicants seek partial funding and advises against relying solely on this grant to finance their programmes.

Funding decisions will be made by the Community Committee in July 2025.

Further details on applying can be found on the Auckland Council website.

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