Central Lakes Trust backs people and community spaces with over $1m in grants
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Central Lakes Trust (CLT) has approved $1,063,499 in grants at its latest board meeting, with the round including the first ever disbursement of CLT's new Capability Grant.
"The Capability Grant was designed specifically with community organisations in mind," says Grants Manager Mat Begg. "We know the sector faces real and growing pressures, and this grant is about giving organisations the tools and knowledge to tackle those challenges head on and build long-term sustainability."
The Capability Grant offers funding of up to $5,000 for training, professional development, and capability building, with $28,120 awarded in the first round. These grants will support a wide range of activities from specialist training and conference attendance to mentorship and sector-wide capability building.
In addition to this funding, CLT supported organisations across the region with operational funding to the value of $448,827. Grants also went towards a range of community projects, including arts and cultural events, emergency preparedness, and facility upgrades. The largest of these was a $200,000 grant to Clyde Bowling Club.
Clyde Bowling Club gets a well-earned upgrade
Clyde Bowling Club has been a fixture of the Central Otago community since 1913, and while the facility has seen updates over the years, it has not had a substantial structural upgrade since the main building was constructed in the 1950s. The club attracts 120 to 130 people per week, hosts Clyde School pupils as part of their sports programme, and welcomes players from clubs and districts across the region. With nearly 80 registered members and an organised programme running for ten months of the year, it is a genuinely well-used community asset.
With support from CLT, the club is upgrading its facilities from the roof down with structural repairs, modern accessible bathrooms, an enlarged entranceway to ease overcrowding, and a new covered viewing area and deck so spectators can enjoy the bowls in comfort. The improvements will benefit not just bowlers, but the many other community organisations that call the venue home.
