31 July 2024
The Auckland Airport Community Trust’s annual community grant programme is celebrating 20 years of service to the South Auckland community with $500,000 available to community groups in the latest funding round – the largest amount in the history of the trust.
Established in 2003 and funded by Auckland Airport, the trust supports grassroots projects and community services for residents of South Auckland most impacted by aircraft noise, as part of an agreement between the airport and Auckland Council.
Applications are now open, with registered charities and non-profit organisations invited to apply for support aimed at making South Auckland a great place to live, work, play and learn.
Auckland Airport Community Trust manager Natalie Vincent said two decades of community giving is a significant milestone to reach.
“For 20 years the Trust has played a pivotal role in shaping, helping and nurturing a wide range of South Auckland residents and groups to foster strong communities and positive community outcomes. Over that time, we have enabled more than $6 million of support to be shared locally.
“For the current funding round, there is half a million dollars in community grants available: this is the largest amount on offer for a funding round and is a fitting way to honour the 20-year milestone of the Auckland Airport Community Trust,” said Ms Vincent.
“We particularly welcome applications that focus on initiatives supporting learning opportunities for our tamariki, promoting diversity, bringing communities closer, improved access to key services, and uplifting the wealth and wellbeing of the community in and around South Auckland.”
Auckland Airport Chief Corporate Services Officer Mel Dooney said the Trust is an important community programme, with long-lasting and wide-ranging benefits.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to be involved with such an uplifting community trust that makes a genuine difference to organisations and people in South Auckland,” said Ms Dooney.
Over the 2024 financial year, the trust distributed $448,000 to community groups and projects that helped support learning opportunities for children and young people, improved health and wellbeing and united communities.
Since establishment, more than $6 million has been shared with over 30 schools, and 275 organisations to support their work in the areas of education, literacy, arts and culture, life skills, environment, sport, and health.
Applications open for the 2024/2025 funding round
The Auckland Airport Community Trust has two community funding programmes:
- Community grants: An annual, contestable grant making programme that supports organisations which are delivering outstanding service to the community around the airport.
- Responsive grants: A monthly, micro-funding programme that is designed to be responsive and enable a flexible approach to the changing conditions and needs of the community.
Applications for the 2024/25 community grant funding round close at 5pm on Friday 9 August 2024.
Application forms are available here: How to Apply - Auckland Airport Community Trust
Applications for the monthly micro-funding responsive grants are due on the last day of each calendar month.
More information on the trust and its funding priorities can be found here: What We Fund - Auckland Airport Community Trust
aucklandairportcommunitytrust.org.nz
ENDS