It is among $1.3 million in grants approved in the trust’s December funding round, to support a wide range of community projects in what is the trust’s final funding round for 2023.
Trust chief executive Jemma Adams said the Dunedin Night Shelter was a pillar of support for the homeless community, so a $100,000 grant was approved to support the renovations required to increase existing bed capacity and enhance accessibility.
Dunedin Night Shelter outgoing chairwoman Clare Curran was delighted with the support.
She said the challenges posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic had prompted the shelter to conduct a comprehensive strategic review last year, pinpointing key areas that required urgent attention.
"Thanks to the $100,000 grant from the trust, we now have a solid foundation to drive our fundraising campaign focused on ‘Building a Better Shelter’ forward, and ensure that the Night Shelter continues to operate and grow as a community asset for those in need."
Ms Adams said it was pleasing to see such a comprehensive design concept had been developed, featuring an extension of the Night Shelter's services in Dunedin.
"The trust is very pleased to be supporting the Dunedin Night Shelter Trust on this crucial journey to make the premise more fit for purpose, safe and comfortable for all occupants."
The Alexandra Elim Church Trust also received a $180,000 capital grant to support its multi-purpose community space development which will include a 215-seat auditorium and two multi-functional spaces.
Other organisations benefiting from community grants in December included Lawrence Bike Club Incorporated ($25,000), Youth Search and Rescue New Zealand Trust ($16,500), Maniototo Ice Rink Inc ($30,000), and Barnardos New Zealand Tamariki and Rangatahi Impact Fund ($454,631)
In total, the Otago Community Trust approved $1,305,775 to 67 organisations in December, including funding of $107,994 to 19 organisations for capability-based initiatives in areas of governance, management, strategic plan development and health and safety.
The trust’s capability funding is aimed at strengthening the systems of service delivery for not-for-profit organisations across Otago.
Grants will resume again in late February next year.
