City disburses more than R11,6m to NGO sector
30 May 2023
The disbursements, approved by Council on 25 May 2023, will see just
over R8,3 million to NGOs working with vulnerable groups, including persons
living on the street, and R3,2 million to organisations working in the Arts
& Culture sector
The call for applications was made in November 2022, and considered by the Section 67 Grants-in Aid Committee.
The list of proposed recipients was given the go ahead by the Portfolio Committee on Community Services and Health and the Mayoral Committee, before final submission for approval at full Council.
Council approved the proposed Grants-in-Aid allocation for 2022/2023 totalling R8 393 790 for projects focusing on assistance to persons living on the street and those at risk of migrating through the street through the provision of confirmed additional bed spaces, developmental programmes and efforts that encourages social entrepreneurship.
A total of 20 projects, to be administered by 19 recipients, have been approved, ranging from substance abuse interventions to integration, accommodation, skills development and employment.
Apart from ensuring that all applicants meet the criteria set out in the Municipal Finance Management Act, the other key element is that the projects being applied for are in line with the City's Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department's basket of services.
'The City has a well-established track record of services and support to vulnerable individuals, as well as the NPOs who work tirelessly in pursuit of making a meaningful difference in people's lives. This grant-in-aid funding should not be viewed in isolation, but rather as part of the City's broader social development interventions, like our investment in Safe Spaces, the continued work being done on a daily basis through our Street People Programme, the Winter Readiness Programme to assist shelters and the temporary work opportunities created through the Expanded Public Works Programme to help persons off the street.
'We recognise that, as a City, we cannot do it alone, and that there are many organisations out there doing brilliant work. But they deserve support, and that is why we continue to make available the grant-in-aid funding, with the understanding that we are all working towards a common goal,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
ARTS & CULTURE
Council also approved the disbursement of R3 230 046 to numerous recipients in the cultural and creative sectors, as part of the annual grant-in-aid allocations.
Applicants were asked to submit proposals for projects that foster an appreciation for the arts, creativity, heritage and diversity; provide beneficiaries with positive activities and transferable skills; introduce beneficiaries to career possibilities in the cultural and creative sectors; and support emerging and early career artists, designers and cultural practitioners.
The 28 selected recipients deliver a range of projects that contribute to building hope through sustainable cultural development and which serve young people or vulnerable groups as the primary beneficiaries.
'These projects are often integral to the young people's growth, enrichment and sense of belonging, by providing opportunities and experiences that develop a holistic sense of wellbeing. The City is proud to be able to make a contribution to the efforts of organisations who give youth a chance to shine, give support to those in need, and enable everyday opportunities for people to participate in culture on their doorstep', added Councillor Van der Ross.
Following Council's approval of the grant-in-aid allocations, the Social Development & Early Childhood Development will inform all applicants in writing about the outcome of their applications, before the funding is disbursed by the end of June.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
