Vodafone Launches Multi-Million Dollar Fund for Canterbury
Vodafone and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust have today
launched a $4 million fund to help rebuild Christchurch
communities, places and services. The Vodafone Foundation
Canterbury Fund will offer grants to charitable and not-for-profit
organisations, and provide wage subsidies for small and medium
sized businesses looking to grow.
Vodafone has donated $2 million to the Earthquake Appeal ($1
million from the Vodafone Group Foundation and $1 million from
Vodafone New Zealand) and this will be matched by the Christchurch
Earthquake Appeal Trust, bringing the total balance available in
the Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund to $4 million.
Vodafone CEO Russell Stanners says he is looking forward to seeing
the difference the fund will make to Canterbury communities.
"Cantabrians have shown incredible strength and resilience and
Vodafone is pleased to be on the ground, working alongside the
community as it is rebuilt. Christchurch is a key centre for
Vodafone, and I am delighted to be making a positive, long term
difference to Christchurch communities. This initiative is a
fantastic opportunity for businesses and community groups to apply
for funding to help the development of Christchurch."
Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trustee Dr Rod Carr says, "The
Trustees are delighted with the support offered by Vodafone, and
are pleased to be partnering with Vodafone to help get these funds
to where they are really needed." The fund is split into two
programmes: Small Grants and Business, which have a particular
focus on youth-focused projects.
The Small Grants programme will focus on:
- Youth and Communities, where grants of between $5000 and
$25,000 will be made available to distinct projects with clear
outcomes that strengthen Christchurch communities
- Infrastructure, where funding will be directed to
infrastructure projects in Christchurch, including education,
sport, recreation and culture
The Business programme is focused on small-to-medium enterprises
(SME) and through a partnership with the Canterbury Business
Recovery Trust, will provide wage subsidy grants for businesses
looking to take on a new employee, with a particular focus on
youth. Grants of up to $10,000 will be made available for salaries
to be part paid for six months.
Applications open on 12 October, and close in early
November.
For more
information and to submit an application visit
http://foundation.vodafone.co.nz/canterbury-fund/