CLT opens financial year with nearly $8 million in grants
- Central Lakes Trust
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Updated: 27 minutes ago
Central Lakes Trust (CLT) began its new financial year with a strong grants allocation. At its first two meetings held on 14 April and 26 May, the board awarded just under $8 million with most of the funding directed towards operational costs for the coming year. Of the 77 grants awarded, 45 were part of previous multi-year commitments.
"We believe in building long-term relationships with our grantees, and offering multi-year grants towards operational costs is one way we support that,” says Chief Executive Barbara Bridger. “Multi-year grants provide greater certainty around funding and enable more confident long-term planning for organisations."
One of these organisations is the Salvation Army who received $200,000 per annum for the next three years.
Lieutenants Anna and Manasa Natera, Queenstown Salvation Army Directors, say the grant will enable them to continue providing care and support for vulnerable individuals and families in the community.
“The rising cost of living, job losses, and a severe housing shortage have significantly increased the demand for our support services. This funding allows us to provide comprehensive assistance, including welfare and food support, financial mentoring, advocacy, life skills courses, and counselling.
These services are crucial in helping people navigate the current economic pressures with resilience and hope.”
Alongside funding for social services, a large share of this round’s grants went towards improving and developing community spaces.
CLT awarded $198,000 to Teviot Prospects to support the development of the Millers Flat Sport and Recreation Hub. This project will revitalise the Millers Flat Domain with two multi-purpose artificial turfs, a pump track, picnic seating, a BBQ space, a pétanque court, and new playground equipment. The facility will also help sustain the annual Millers Flat Tournament, which has run continuously since 1902.
Project leaders Pat Garden and Mark Jessop say several features set this initiative apart: “The recreation facilities are designed to serve the entire Millers Flat and Teviot Valley community, from young children to seniors. The aim is to create a hub not only for recreation but also as a welcoming space for community gatherings.”
They note that, while the site is a council recreation reserve, a dedicated committee has been formed to oversee the facility and organise events and competitions to maximise its use.
