Central Lakes Trust (CLT) approved 37 grants amounting to more than $2.5 million during its recent board meeting held on 13 November 2023. This is the largest funding allocation of the 2023/24 financial year.
Over half of the approved grants has been allocated to initiatives directly benefiting our youth, including $320,000 to Wakatipu Youth Trust, $260,000 to Kahu Youth, and $154,476 to Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust to support their operational costs. Many of CLT’s operational grants are multi-year grants, meaning that organisations have certainty of funding for up to three years. This enables them to continue their valuable work in empowering our younger generation through mentorship, educational resources, and essential support systems.
“It is paramount for us to invest in our youth as they are the future stewards of our community.” says Linda Robertson, Chair of CLT. “Their potential, creativity, and enthusiasm inspire us to continue supporting initiatives that empower and nurture their talents, ensuring a bright and promising tomorrow for the CLT region.”
Photo: Whakatipu Youth Trust
Alexandra Elim Church Trust received a $250,000 grant towards the construction of a multi-purpose community space in Alexandra. The comprehensive plan includes a 215-seat auditorium, two multi-functional spaces, and a commercial kitchen.
“Over the past 3 years we have been developing plans and raising funds to transform our property at into a modern, multi-purpose facility,” says Aaron More, Senior Pastor at Alexandra Elim Church. “This grant will help us start the project in early 2024 and will result in a fantastic facility that will not only be used by the church but also by various groups that serve our community. We are grateful for the support of Central Lakes Trust and look forward to seeing this project become a reality”
In addition to the existing programmes that will benefit from the space, Alexandra Elim Church Trust also envisions new initiatives such as a School of Arts to offer affordable after-school music, dance, and drama lessons being established.
Artist’s impression of the new multi-purpose community space.
After this funding round, the total grants approved to date for the financial year ending 31 March 2024 amounts to $6.7 million.