28 May 2012

Applications open for 2012 Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund

Over a million dollars is now available to Canterbury community groups as the second round of the Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund – a joint initiative between the Vodafone Foundation and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust – opens for applications. The $4 million Fund is helping to rebuild Christchurch communities, places and services.

It is awarding grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to grassroots organisations, with an emphasis on youth-focused projects and capital or infrastructure projects.

On a recent visit to The Muse Community Music Trust which received a grant from the Fund's first round, Prime Minister John Key encouraged community groups to apply.

"The Fund gives community groups a great opportunity to revive their activities in the suburbs they serve, as Cantabrians work to return their lives to normal," explained Mr Key.

In the first funding round, 48 grants totaling nearly $800,000 were made ranging from supporting the hard hit communities of Kaiapoi and Lyttelton, to much needed youth health services and mentoring support for young people who had lost a loved one as a result of the quakes.

Vodafone General Manager South Island and local selection team member Jamie Cairns says many more community groups will benefit from the second round of funding.

"It has been so inspiring to meet many of the grassroots organisations in Canterbury who are doing incredible work to strengthen local communities. We've recognised the needs of these groups and in this round, we're pleased to have doubled the maximum grant from $25,000 to $50,000, which we think will really make a difference to local projects."

Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust trustee Dr Rod Carr says: "This Fund has already helped 48 grassroots organisations to make a positive difference in their communities, and the Trustees are confident that the upcoming funding round will help even more. Our donors will be pleased to see their contribution making a difference for so many."

Applications are open from 28 May 2012 and close at 5pm on 6 July 2012. Full criteria and details are available at: http://foundation.vodafone.co.nz/canterbury-fund/