SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust calls for local community groups to apply for funding

Over the past year, SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust has injected nearly $816,000 in to 66 community organisations, and applications are now open for this year’s funding round.

Charitable organisations whose work supports families to thrive and prosper in the Waikato region are encouraged to apply now.

Michelle Baillie, General Manager SKYCITY Hamilton, says it’s rewarding to give back to the community through the Trust, and to see the tangible difference the funding makes. 

“It’s very rewarding to be able to help fund the work of volunteers and community organisations across the region and it’s inspiring to hear stories about how they have used the funding to benefit people in our community,” says Ms Baillie. 

An example of the tangible difference the funding has made is Zeal Hamilton, which received a $34,000 grant from the Trust last year, enabling them to deliver 30 educational pathway programmes for young people.

Zeal Hamilton, a home and hub of creativity for young people, enables young people from all walks of life to discover, develop and express their unique creativity by providing communities belonging and access to creative education programmes.

Zeal offers an afternoon drop-in programme, youth events, creative vocational pathways, a rehearsal room and recording studio, street-based youth work, and mentoring.

Lehi Lee-Duncan, Manager Zeal Hamilton, says “Many of the young people Zeal engages with are disillusioned with mainstream education, but can excel if given hands-on creative opportunities to achieve.

“Funding from SKYCITY has enabled Zeal to offer a full range of creative programmes and workshops that meet the needs and wants of Hamilton young people. These have included Barista coffee making, event management, live sound engineering, Hip Hop dance, skateboarding, and more!

“These strengths-based programmes and workshops have provided opportunities for young people to discover their creative passions and gain new skills, as well as giving support, encouragement and future direction.”

The SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust prioritises four key funding areas, financial capability, employment and economic prosperity, pathways to employment and economic prosperity, and healthy and stable families, and supports applications both large and small.   

SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust Chairman Roger FitzGerald says the Trust is committed to supporting families to thrive and communities to prosper.

“Every year, demand for funding is high and decisions are tough. It’s amazing to be a part of a Trust that can fund key community groups who continue to deliver much needed services in our community. As locals, our Trustees all have plenty of experience in our Waikato community and we work together to make sure the funds are put to the best use possible,” says Mr FitzGerald.

Since 2003, the SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust has donated some $7.2 million to more than 1,540 local groups in the wider Waikato region.

The SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust is open for 2017 funding applications and will be open until Friday 29 September 2017, 5pm. To find out more about who can apply and how, visit our SKYCITY Hamilton Trust webpage.