Minister for Ethnic Communities Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has announced the opening of the funding round for the new Ethnic Communities Development Fund. The funding round opened on August 15 and closes on September 27. Any not-for-profit group can apply. It replaces the Settling In Fund and is designed to better support the ongoing needs of ethnic people. The priorities of the fund are to support leadership development, social cohesion and cultural events.

“The new contestable fund provides $520,000 annually to enable ethnic communities to be stronger, more cohesive and resilient. It is important that all ethnic people have a sense of belonging and participation in New Zealand,” noted the Minister.

For further details visit communitymatters.govt.nz or call 0800 824 824.