Second time round for Factory grants

 

BY JULIA WADE

Locals involved with projects that will benefit Mangawhai and surrounding areas are now invited to apply for funding from Mangawhai’s only community-driven, independent funding organisation. 

Mangawhai Community Opportunity Shop Trust (MCOST), the charitable trust operating the popular second-hand shop The Factory, has announced they are now accepting applications for their second round of grants. 

MCOST trustee Ken Rayward says he is delighted to advise that this round the organisations second in their first year of trading will be significantly larger than their initial funding round in March this year. 

“This is a very significant time for us at The Factory and huge for our Mangawhai community,” he says. 

Announcement of the successful applicants will be held in mid-October to coincide with MCOST’s first birthday, and to mark the anniversary a gala is planned for October 13. 

“It will be a celebration of our first year of trading as well as our second round of funding grants and all the people of Mangawhai are invited to join in the festivities which includes the presentation of grant certificates by mayor Dr Jason Smith.”

Nine Mangawhai community groups received a financial boost for various projects and requirements from MCOST’s first round including Mangawhai Toy Library, North Rodney Blue Light, Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifeguard Service, Mangawhai Volunteer Fire Brigade and Te Whai Community Trust. 

MCOST’s second set of grants will have three options for organisations to choose from ensuring both large and smaller projects can be supported. Applications close on September 21.

With more than 20 of Mangawhai's dynamic community organisations expected to be part of the grant awards, Rayward says it will be a day for all of Mangawhai to celebrate.

“Thanks to our amazing and wonderfully diverse Mangawhai community for their product donations and overwhelming customer support,” he says. “They have really grasped that The Factory is a unique, 100 percent Mangawhai initiative that is for the enjoyment of all the people of Mangawhai and our visitors.”

 Grant application packs can be requested by emailing mcostnz@gmail.com

Ready to give for a second time, and excited to announce the next round of funding for Mangawhai projects. Factory trustee Ken Rayward shows a montage of applicant winners from the first round in March.