Editor’s Note: Indian Newslink published an op-ed by Columnist Mallika Janakiraman on April 16, 2024 (updated on April 24, 2024) on Community Funding, following which the Ministry of Ethnic Community held a conversation with her and us. The following is the unedited version of the response from the Ministry.
The Ministry for Ethnic Communities would like to thank Malika Janakiraman for her feedback on community funding.
Community funding lacks transparency and accountability – indiannewslink.co.nz.
It is very important to have community input into how the Ethnic Communities Development Fund (ECDF) runs. This is how we ensure it meets community needs.
The ECDF is administered by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being and integration of ethnic communities.
The ECDF operates with a clear mandate to support projects and initiatives that foster social cohesion, cultural understanding, and community empowerment among ethnic communities across New Zealand. The fund provides financial support to eligible organisations to implement initiatives tailored to address community needs.
The ECDF has $4.2 million available for community projects a year. These need to align with the Ministry’s strategic priorities to support ethnic communities, grow their skills, celebrate culture, and participate in society. During the 2022/2023 financial year, the ECDF funded 408 projects.
Examples of these projects include the Ethnic Women’s Leadership Course in Christchurch by Lady Khadija Charitable Trust, ‘Beyond Words’ concert series in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Circular Business Programme in Hamilton by Shama Ethnic Women’s Trust and The ReCreators, and the Diversity Festival by the Diversity Network in Wellington.
Find some inspiring stories from these projects on the Ministry’s website: Stories | Ministry for Ethnic Communities
It’s important to clarify that while the Ministry administers the ECDF, it is not a regulatory body. Our focus is on operating the ECDF with an easy-to-access model and a relatively quick turnaround on applications.
Understanding the ECDF process
Third-party “agencies”
Our policy precludes applications from entities that operate as the interface between us and the communities that we serve and charge a commission or fee for their services.
This ensures that ECDF funds directly benefit the community organisations we serve.
Cash Reserves
When assessing applications, the ECDF team consider whether the organisation has sufficient funds to determine if the funding requested is required or the organisation’s initiative could be funded internally.
Conflicts of interest management
The Ministry manages conflict of interest matters diligently within the operation of the ECDF. There is a clear separation of roles between those who assess applications, our independent panel of community representatives, who makes recommendations for funding, and the final decision-maker.
Community involvement
The ECDF independent panel is comprised of five community representatives who are appointed for a three-year term.
The panel meets each month to make recommendations on the disbursement of the funding across the financial year, consider Ethnic Communities Development Fund policy, the Ministries’ strategic priorities and the purpose and outcomes sought through distribution of the fund; and ensure ethical decision making and conflicts of interest in relation to funding allocation decisions are managed appropriately.
Applying to the ECDF
The application process for ECDF funding involves up-front due diligence on the application, assessment, review by an independent panel, and final decision-making by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.
It’s helpful for applicants to thoroughly understand the ECDF guidelines and criteria to ensure alignment with funding objectives and maximise their chances of success.
Watch this step-by-step instructional video on how to apply for ECDF: Info and How to Apply for the Ethnic Communities Development Fund. This video is available in 20 languages, including Hindi and Punjabi.
Tips for successful application
Align with ECDF objectives and at least one of the Ministry’s four priorities.
Show that your project will help an ethnic community or communities.
Have a clear start date within the current funding round (1 July – 30 June).
Identify how the project will use the funding within 12 months of receiving approved funding.
Show that the project is well-designed, planned and delivered in New Zealand.
Complaints process
While the ECDF strives for transparency and fairness in its operations, it is important to recognise that concerns or complaints may arise during the application process or implementation of funded projects. The Ministry for Ethnic Communities has a complaints process to address such issues.
If an applicant or stakeholder has concerns regarding the ECDF process or the handling of their application, they are encouraged to raise these concerns directly with the Ministry.
The Ministry’s team is committed to looking into complaints impartially and providing timely feedback.
Check the Ministry’s website to learn more about the ECDF and stories from ECDF-supported initiatives: Ethnic Communities Development Fund | Ministry for Ethnic Communities
