Community-owned Masterton Trust Lands Trust has announced an historic annual grants budget of 1.5 million for 2022/23. It coincides with the Trust’s 150th year.
“My fellow trustees and I are thrilled the Trust has achieved a record-high grants budget to support our community in the year ahead. We look forward to the benefits the boost in funding will provide locally,” said Leanne Southey, Trust chair.
The $1.5 million represents the largest amount of money the Trust has ever made available to the people of Masterton. This includes its usual annual rental support for community tenants and a diverse education grants programme. “An exciting new arts initiative is also in the planning, with an announcement due later this year,” said Miss Southey.
The Trust is equally delighted to be able to reinstate community grants. Five years ago, trustees made the difficult decision to pause annual community grants for non-profit organisations in Masterton. This was due to financial constraints at the time, caused by structural issues with several Trust-owned buildings.
“Reinstating community grants is a positive outcome from the conclusion of litigation,” explained Miss Southey.
From 1 July, the Trust’s community grants fund will open again with $100,000 available to community groups for grants of up to $10,000. A further $50,000 will be on offer for significant projects seeking grants of more than $25,000 in collaboration with other funders.
The Trust welcomes applications from Masterton-based non-profit organisations. Assessment criteria will examine how funding can contribute to ‘community good’ for health and wellbeing, physical welfare, art and culture, youth and elderly, and environmental projects.
More information will be available from early June on the Trust’s website, www.mtlt.org.nz or by phoning 06 370 0155.