The number of community agencies competing for funds from the Catholic Caring Foundation in Auckland increased by at least one third this year as against last year. Darragh O’Riordan, general manager Catholic Caring Foundation, attributed the unprecedented number of applications to increasing operational costs.
“Applications for funding from agencies that closely represent the values and intentions of our supporters have increased by at least one third this year and this means that it has been highly contestable application process,” said Ms O’Riordan.
The foundation supports community agencies that work with the homeless, refugees, families suffering from issues of violence, hunger and addictions as well as other critical social services within the Auckland diocese.
These agencies need not be faith-based. Ms O’Riordan said charities used to be given premises at low rates.
“They are now having to compete with commercial rents which makes it very hard for them to cover the costs of their services to community,” she said.
The foundation grants a maximum of $15,000 to successful applicants.
Ms O’Riordan said while this may be considered not a large sum, it can have a “significant impact on small agencies’ ability to stay afloat”.
“Our team of volunteers who assessed the applications have kept the mandate of the foundation very much to the fore and as a result those agencies that have received funding represent communities and individuals in the highest of need, “she said.
At the Caring Mass, celebrated at St Patrick’s Cathedral on July 27, Bishop Patrick Dunn acknowledged the Tindall Foundation for supporting the foundation for the past 20 years.
He also gave Caring Awards to students from more than 20 primary and secondary schools and to organisations for their outstanding care and commitment to caring for people in the community.
“The Catholic Caring Awards are a direct demonstration, in these internationally troubling times, that caring in a local context, in a simple way, can have a significant and profound impact on the lives of many in our diocese,” Ms O’Riordan explained.
She expressed her appreciation to those who have supported the Caring Foundation. The foundation had granted more than $12 million since it started in 1988.
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