Apply for Community Library Grant Program in New Zealand

The Ashburton District Council offers grants of up to $6,000 to support independently operated community libraries in Methven, Mt Somers, and Rakaia. Funding is exclusively for the purchase and preservation of new reading materials accessible to the community. Eligible libraries must demonstrate community engagement, accessibility, and responsible financial management.

Program Overview

The Community Library Grant Program aims to enhance access to reading materials and support the sustainability of independently operated community libraries in the Ashburton District. The program emphasizes:

• Community accessibility and engagement

• Encouraging local contributions to projects

• Consideration of other available funding and past support

Objectives

• Support the acquisition and preservation of new reading materials

• Ensure libraries remain accessible to the public

• Promote community participation through volunteerism and in-kind contributions

• Encourage sound financial management and accountability

Funding Details

• Maximum Grant: $6,000 per library

• Eligible Expenses: Purchase and preservation of new reading materials

• Ineligible Expenses: Retrospective purchases, salaries, insurance, equipment hire, operating costs (utilities, IT, ticketing)

• Payment is made directly to the library for eligible purposes only

Eligibility Criteria

• Independently operated community libraries located in:

  • Methven

  • Mt Somers

  • Rakaia

• Must be based in the Ashburton District

• Must act as the administering or governing body for the project

• Only completed Community Library Application forms are accepted

• Applications missing requested information are ineligible for assessment

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Number of library users or members

• Accessibility to the general public (days and hours of operation)

• Level of community contribution (volunteers, in-kind support, materials, financial assistance)

• Other potential sources of funding

• Previous assistance received from the Council

Final funding decisions are at the discretion of the Ashburton District Council, and selected projects may be featured in Council publicity.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Verify that your library is independently operated and located in Methven, Mt Somers, or Rakaia

• Ensure the library can act as the governing body for the project

Step 2: Prepare Application

• Complete the Community Library Application form

• Provide details of new reading materials to be purchased or preserved

• Document any community contributions or additional funding sources

Step 3: Submit Application

• Submit the completed form to the Ashburton District Council before the deadline

Step 4: Post-Award Requirements

• Complete and return a funding accountability form within the same financial year

• Provide receipts for all expenditures

• Failure to submit accountability documentation affects future funding eligibility

Why This Funding Matters

• Strengthens community library services and accessibility

• Supports literacy and learning opportunities in the Ashburton District

• Encourages community participation in sustaining library resources

• Promotes responsible financial management and transparency

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete application forms

• Requesting funding for ineligible expenses such as salaries or operating costs

• Ignoring the requirement for accountability documentation

• Not demonstrating community involvement or engagement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

Independently operated community libraries in Methven, Mt Somers, or Rakaia within the Ashburton District.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?

$6,000 per library.

3. What can the grant fund?

The purchase and preservation of new reading materials only.

4. What expenses are ineligible?

Salaries, insurance, equipment hire, utilities, IT, ticketing, or retrospective purchases.

5. How is eligibility assessed?

Based on location, governance responsibility, community access, and completeness of the application form.

6. Are community contributions considered?

Yes, volunteer hours, in-kind support, or financial contributions strengthen the application.

7. What happens after receiving a grant?

Libraries must submit a funding accountability form with receipts within the same financial year. Failure to do so affects future eligibility.

Conclusion

The Ashburton District Council Community Library Grant Program empowers local libraries to expand and preserve reading resources, improve public access, and strengthen community engagement. By providing targeted funding and promoting accountability, the program ensures sustainable benefits for libraries and the communities they serve.