Cash to share

The Lion Foundation has money in the bank but it cannot give it away in Manukau.

The foundation wants more Manukau-based community groups to apply for funding for their local activities or projects.

It distributes funds raised through gaming machines to a huge range of charities, community groups and clubs, large and small.

Chief executive Phil Holden says applications normally outweigh funding but in Manukau it is the other way around.

"This is an area where we have funding available but are not currently receiving applications required to allocate this funding within the community," he says. Not-for-profit groups in the area that need assistance should therefore apply for funding.

Recent local grants include:

$1 million to Youthline to help with the redevelopment of the old Papatoetoe Fire Station into a community centre. $957,160 to the John Walker Field of Dreams project to make sure every child can swim.$421,000 to the South Auckland Health Foundation to buy a digital mammography machine.

$15,000 to Manurewa Intermediate School to help establish an edible garden facility. $8000 to the Kia Orana Festival of Arts at Mangere College. $5000 to Otara Budgeting for its home visit service. $5000 to Ambury Park Riding for the Disabled for hay for its horses. $2500 to $4500 to kindergartens to buy a sandpit cover, toys, books, window coverings and art supplies.

Mr Holden says successful applications demonstrate a cause with wide community benefit that is broadly supported, or provides for an important need.

For information or to download a grant application form, see lionfoundation.org.nz or call 0800802908.

- © Fairfax NZ News