THE first round of the Manawa Energy Heartland Community Fund closes for applications on March 31.
There is $12,000 available in the first of three funding rounds this year. The fund is a partnership between Manawa Energy and the King Country Trust, which each contribute $24,000 to the fund annually. It supports community groups that are contributing to safer, healthier, more sustainable and more connected King Country communities.
The next funding rounds open in July and November. There is $24,000 available for the Matariki round in July.
Previous awardees in 2022 were Nga Hau e Wha Maara Kai, Piopio Primary School, Ruapehu Adult Riding Club, and Taumarunui Early Education. These groups are doing the mahi and have gone on to support their communities by providing food, further education, STEM programmes and community events.
Nga Hau e Wha Maara Kai not only provides food and support for its community, it also hosts locals and schools to help provide immersive education on taking care of the land and how to grow your own food. It has also purchased a beehive through the Heartland Fund, which has provided its own learning experience.
“Supporting community groups to do great things is what makes the Heartland Fund so rewarding. We love hearing from these community groups on how our support has helped them out,” Manawa Energy’s Katie Dorresteyn said.
Heartland Community Fund is Manawa Energy’s way of recognising those community groups doing the mahi in the area and achieving great things for their friends and whanau. For more information, or to download an application form, head to manawaenergy.co.nz/heartland
