Notice Board - News

Make-over for COGS revealed

Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 14/6/2005

After twenty years of active community service, the Community Organisation Grants Scheme, or COGS as is it better known, has had a make-over.

Following an independent review of COGS systems and processes, a few changes are now being implemented to ensure COGS is more transparent and consistent across the country. Within this, enough flexibility will be retained to allow local committees to set their own priorities and respond to the particular needs of their communities.

COGS is a community-driven government-funded scheme and every year more than $12 million of COGS funding is distributed to over 3000 community groups. Its funding priorities are projects that are responding to a locally identified community need, organisations that work with one or more of the COGS priority sectors (i.e. Maori, women, Pacific communities, other ethnic communities, older people, the rurally isolated, people with disabilities, families, youth and children, and unemployed people) and community groups and organisations that have limited access to other government funding.

Applications for COGS funding can be made online and since 1 June COGS the online service, www.cdgo.govt.nz has been made easier for applicants as it is more intuitive and interactive and groups that receive COGS grants can write their accountability reports online.

Community groups have been able to apply online for COGS grants for some years now, but of course, paper applications are still available from Department of Internal Affairs offices or by calling 0800 824 824. Applications for this funding round opened on 1 June and close 29 July

Go to the DIA web site for full details, including a list of the newly appointed COGS committee members and an outline of the COGs scheme..