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Ministry of Social Development, National
You’ll probably be aware that the Enterprising Communities programme has replaced the Community Employment Group that was part of the Department of Labour.
The purpose of the programme remains unchanged. We want to continue to help communities to create local employment opportunities and to address skills issues by developing community owned businesses. This could include a community using their local assets like land to create tourism and environmental employment opportunities or developing a project to help migrants to better integrate into the New Zealand labour market.
The main change we have made to the programme is to strengthen the focus on labour market outcomes. When the Community Employment Group was first established, New Zealand was experiencing high unemployment and an over-supply of labour. Today’s situation is very different. Unemployment is 3.9% and there are now skill and labour shortages in many areas. However significant pockets of disadvantage still remain within some communities. Our priority is to work with organisations that can show they will be making a measurable difference to their local economy.
The day to day advice, support and grants administration will be managed by our new Enterprising Communities managers and advisors. Located in our regional offices, they have started working with communities and stakeholders, and are already assessing their first grant applications. Within our national office we have established a small team who will provide programme support and development, and manage any national contracts.
Each project is considered on a case by case basis, based on the information provided in the application and business plan. There is no set maximum. As part of the application process, organisations are asked to give a detailed breakdown of project costs and a profile of how they'll spend the funding over the lifetime of the project. Applicants will also be asked how their organisation will contribute to the cost of the project either in cash (for example, money from fund raising or other funding bodies) or "in kind" contributions such as volunteers' time.
Funding is available for a maximum of three years, with projects expected to be able to show that they will be financially independent once the agreed funding period finishes. The type of activities they can help fund include:
For an organisation that has identified a potential opportunity or idea, the first step is to complete an expression of interest. This can be done by completing the form on the website, or over the phone by calling 0800 779 998. The expression of interest process lets an organisation test whether an idea is likely to meet their funding criteria before it takes the time to submit a full application.
As well as asking about the project aims and the target audience, the expression of interest asks about the legal status of the applicant organisation. Grants are only available to legally incorporated, non profit organisations. If an organisation doesn't want to become incorporated, it can ask an organisation to act on its behalf.
Other Support For Communities