Top Tip for June
** Make sure you allow plenty of time for your funding applications (at least 8 weeks and up to 6 months in the case of some grants) as no funder will cover a retrospective application. So in Winter, apply for items needed in summer and vice versa. Set up a wish list for Centre members to contribute to of wants and needs. Get 2 quotes organised to have an idea of the cost and get approval from the property team if it affects the structure/layout of the Playcentre (either internally or externally), includes playground development or purchasing fixed assets/equipment or appliances. **
National Grant Funding Opportunities
If you see or hear of a grant funding option that you think will be a good fit for a national or regional application, please do send it through to me on [email protected]. I try to keep up to date with the funding options out there via Exult, Generosity and Facebook, but there are hundreds and hundreds of grants and things are always changing.
Upcoming Funding Rounds
** Please note: Always check-in with individual funders BEFORE YOU APPLY. While every effort has been made to ensure information given is correct at the time of publication, funding availability and other details may change frequently. **
The Trusts – West Auckland
The Million Dollar Mission fund has been replaced with a new West Auckland Support Fund. Applications will open on August 16 2021 and you can apply for up to 3 months of operational costs, capital expenditure (eg building maintenance) or equipment costs up to $20,000. Keep an eye on their website: https://thetrusts.co.nz/support/your-west-support-fund/
Trust Horizon – Bay of Plenty
They meet monthly and will fund energy related projects and events for those in the Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki District Council areas and Kaingaroa village. You must be an electricity consumer connected to the Horizon Energy Distribution network, your Centre must also be the owner of the building (or the building owned by one of the 3 DC) and not have applied for the last 2 years.
Items they would consider funding – heat pumps (if your building is insulated), LED lights, insulation, double glazing. Once you have registered, the Trust will come and visit and discuss eligible funding options for you before you get quotes.
https://www.trusthorizon.org.nz/eligibility
Whanganui Community Foundation – Whanganui region
This includes Rangitikei, Waimarino and Whanganui. They offer Quick Response grants ($10k and under) and Community Support grants ($10,001 – $100k) and meet monthly for their Quick Response grants.
Paper4Trees – Nationwide
If your Playcentre recycles paper and cardboard, consider signing up to Paper4Trees. As an incentive to divert as much paper and cardboard from landfill as possible, they reward each Playcentre with one native tree/plant for every two cubic metres of paper and cardboard recycled. They can provide 30L classroom recycling bins free of charge to your Playcentre, however they do not collect the recycling so you must have a recycling system in place at your Centre. Their recycling period runs from 1 Jan to 31 Dec each year, however you can sign up at any time through the year.
https://www.paper4trees.co.nz/join-paper4trees
Digital Wings – National
Digital Wings has already supported 30 Playcentres through their distribution of electronic equipment (laptops, desktop computers and printers) from corporate donors free of charge.
Please note that supply is dependent upon donation stock available, so at times there may be a waitlist. Please also note Digital Wings does not supply computers to individuals or private homes and they rarely have ipads or tablets as the donations are from businesses. They currently have more desktops than laptops available (due to high Covid demands and many requests for laptops), so if you have the room, please consider a desktop, which is also a more robust option for multiple users.
Your first step would be to go on to their website and fill in your contact details. They will then get in touch with you to talk more about your needs and send you a registration form.
https://www.digitalwings.nz/contact.html
Discounts for Playcentres
This section contains information about discounts or offers for Centres. It does not constitute endorsement and these offers are not for individual members.
The Canterbury Playcentre Shop
10% off everything in store (excludes PC branded items and clearance items)
When you order online for your Centre, make sure you select ‘pre-approved account’ so that the discount can be applied by the shop when processing the order. If you pay by credit card, there is no discount. Find them online at https://playcentreshop.co.nz/, call them on 03 377 4354 or visit them at 17 Buchan Street, Sydenham, Christchurch.
Centre members and members of the public are also welcome to buy from the shop either in person or online, however, the discount will not apply.
“The Playcentre shop has been supplying quality, educational resources for over 70 years. During this time, the Shop has been managed by generations of Playcentre parents with a focus on providing the tools to allow children to learn and build confidence as they play. Whether you are an Early Learning Centre, a school, parent or grandparent, the Playcentre Shop can help you build a safe and challenging play environment where children can explore, experiment and imagine. As The Shop has always supplied Playcentres, we cover all of the areas of play found at Early Learning Centres. From working carpentry tools and benches to science, collage or music, we have the range to meet your needs. The team in the shop are always happy to help.”
Playcentres nationwide can access our commercial rates through this channel. These rates are not offered in any retail stores.
With expert support available at the end of the phone, Alistair and Nathan will swiftly become an indispensable business resource. You can make an online payment for your items and we can then deliver direct to your Playcentre (for a small fee) or you can pickup from your local store (no cost).
Get in touch with Alistair or Nathan for pricing or consultation.
Technology and Computers
Laptops, Desktops, Monitors, Tablets, Mobile Phones, Cameras, Printers, Security, Networking
Alistair Bryce
P: +64 3 367 7587 | Ext 75887
M: +64 22 499 0079
Electrical Appliances & Home Living
TV’s, Audio, Whiteware, Kitchen Appliances, Furniture, Bedding
Nathan Lee
P: +64 3 363 5910 | Ext 615009
M: +64 21 243 1008
E: [email protected]