For those types of organizations and community groups with meaningful differences in Auckland, finance can be the key component that makes the ideas become a reality. The Auckland Foundation Grassroots Giving Programme is a great opportunity for tapping into community-focused initiatives. Whether you're working with family- and whānau-focused programs or broader community projects, this grant brings those ideas into life.
Below, you can find any information you might need regarding your application to the 2024 Grassroots Giving Programme: from eligibility criteria and key dates to how to make a strong application.
What is the Grassroots Giving Programme?
Grassroots Giving Programme An Auckland Foundation initiative that supports projects in any area of Auckland by local community groups and organizations. The Grassroots programme supports specific projects leading to direct benefit to the community, especially in the area of family or whānau support. Projects for wellbeing; connection and genuine need within Auckland's very diverse communities are what this grant is focusing on.
Since the inception of the Grassroots Giving Programme, many initiatives have been provided with the empowerment to bring positive change to local neighborhoods and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Why the Grassroots Giving Programme Matters
Grassroots organizations often operate at the core of a community, working from the ground upwards to make a difference. They address needs that are real-whether providing essential services to underrepresented groups, supporting families in times of crisis, or fostering community spirit through local initiatives. For these groups, accessing funding is one of the largest hurdles.
This is addressed by the Grassroots Giving Programme, which offers accessible funding opportunities to ensure impactful local projects can move forward, reach their goals, and serve their communities effectively. For those organizations focused on either family/whānau well-being or wider community cohesion, this grant can make all the difference in taking a project to the next level.
Key Dates for Grassroots Giving Programme 2024
In order for your application to be submitted in due time, you need to take note of the following important dates:
- Applications Open: Monday, 22 July 2024, at 9:00 AM
- Applications Close: Friday, 9 August 2024, at 5:00 PM
- Review and Decision-Making: Mid-August 2024
- Notification of Decisions: Early September 2024
- Grant Payment to Successful Applicants: Mid-September 2024 (subject to signed grant agreements)
Applications received after the 5 PM deadline on August 9, 2024, will not be considered, so be sure to submit ahead of time to avoid any issues.
Eligibility Criteria for Grassroots Giving Programme 2024
Your project will have to be eligible to apply for the Grassroots Giving Programme. The guidelines set ensure that grants are directed to projects that potentially offer the most community benefit:
- Geographical Focus: Your project or initiative needs to be serving communities in Auckland.
- Family/Whānau Focus: Alignment with the priority focus on family and whānau wellbeing.
- Clarity of Purpose: The application must articulate a sense of why a proposed project is necessary; who benefits; and what the proposal hopes to achieve.
- Measurable Outcomes: Include a plan for how you will measure the success and impact of your project on its participants or the broader community.
All organisations that received funding in 2023 through the Grassroots Giving Programme must submit a grant accountability report-or an interim report if some funding is left-before you reapply for this year. These can be completed and submitted online; they maintain transparency and accountability for the previously awarded grants.
How to Apply for the Grassroots Giving Programme
The Auckland Foundation has introduced an easy online application process for the Grassroots Giving Programme. Here's how to apply:
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
Your project application needs to clearly identify the need for the project, who will benefit from the project, and how the project fits within the family/whānau focus of the grant program. Describe what you intend to achieve with your project, and outline your plan of how you will measure the success of your project.
Apart from the main application, you will be required to attach supporting documents such as:
- PDF copy of your organization’s most recent financial statements
- PDF copy of a bank deposit slip
Be sure to gather and organize these documents ahead of time so you do not encounter delays during the submission process.
Step 2: Submit Your Application Online
All applications must be made via the online application form that is contained on the Auckland Foundation website. If you access the form from the same device you will be able to save and come back later. This functionality is helpful if you need to look up and reference information during the application process.
Once you've completed your application, ensure that you submit it before the deadline, which is 5 PM, Friday 9 August 2024.
Step 3: Receive Acknowledgement
After submitting your application, you get feedback in the form of an acknowledgement email from Auckland Foundation within 48 hours. If you do not hear this, then that only means that you must get in touch with the Foundation forthwith to verify if your application has arrived there without any hitch.
It is important to ensure that full information is submitted before the closing date; applications with missing information or incomplete attachments are not regarded for this program.
Evaluation and Decision Process
After the application deadline, Auckland Foundation will review each application individually that has been submitted. The evaluation will be based on a number of factors that include:
- How the project addresses a critical need within the community
- Ability to align with the family/whānau focus of the programme
- The impact across the project and the measurable outcomes proposed
- How the project will be sustainable and continue to benefit the community in the long term
Applicants will be duly informed about the decision by early September 2024.
How Fluxx Simplifies Grant Management
As one of Fluxx's clients, Auckland Foundation uses the Fluxx grant management platform to manage and review applications. For its applicants, this means a seamless process of filling in forms with pre-structured information, thus allowing real-time tracking of the status of their applications.
Fluxx allows for easier document submission and real-time updates, ensuring transparency and minimizing delays. Consequently, both the applicant and the Foundation can rest assured that their efforts go toward meaningful results, as opposed to administrative impediments, since all relevant information is available through the platform.
Seize the Opportunity to Strengthen Your Community
The Grassroots Giving Programme 2024 represents the opportunity for community organizations in Auckland to seek funding for a programme that has the potential to make a real difference. With its focus on family and whānau well-being, the programme will enable local groups to become active agents of change and make a real difference for the better in the lives of its stakeholders. If your organization is passionate about creating a stronger, more connected Auckland where everyone thrives, now is the time to apply.
To learn more about the Grassroots Giving Programme and submit your application, visit Auckland Foundation's Grassroots Giving Programme.