Winning Ideas is returning for 2023 with a new format and extra funding available for community initiatives.

Connect Cromwell is again running the community ideas competition later in March. The group is seeking funding applications from Cromwell and Districts Community Groups who may have a project in mind or have one they would like to develop further. 

There’s $30,000 available for allocation, an increase of $6,000 on previous funding, which comes via the Community Led Development Project, supported by the Department of Internal Affairs.

“We are fortunate to work alongside the groups as they take flight. I suggest to any group to put a submission in it is worth the time and effort,” Connect Cromwell Community facilitator Rosanna Ottaway said.

“The groups that have been successful with Winning Ideas spend such a lot of time and effort organising and producing quality outcomes for our community.”  

There will be an event at The Gate Conference Centre on Thursday, March 23, 6-9pm, for groups to present their ideas.

As with the previous Winning Ideas event, applicants are asked to ensure their project includes some of Connect Cromwell’s five guiding principles: building from strengths, growing from shared local visions, working with diverse people and sectors, growing collaborative local leadership and learning by doing.

Some of the successful groups from the 2021 event were: Community Pantry, Cromwell Bike Club, Health Awareness Cromwell, Junior Guardians of Lake Dunstan, Mokihi Trust, Ethnic Eats, and Cromwell Mountain Bike Club.

Connect Cromwell is looking for projects that reflect the community and the diversity of those living in it. 

Even if groups have previously put in an application, they are welcome to do so again. Connect Cromwell is looking forward to a variety of ideas being submitted.

Find application forms for Winning Ideas here.