The Ara Foundation – formed to improve the ability of Ara staff and students to fully embrace experiences and opportunities – has again provided grants across a vast range of activities this financial period.
From travelling to Brazil to represent New Zealand in football, to building an electric racer from Polly Pocket bicycles, to participating in an audience with billionaire media mogul Oprah Winfrey, the Foundation views every application on its merits.
Ara Foundation Chair Carl Pascoe says Foundation trustees have been working hard to ensure a considered investment strategy that allows for future growth and ensures the Foundation remains relevant and effective.
“The Ara Foundation exists to make a real difference to the students and staff at Ara Institute of Canterbury, whether its providing funding for attendance at conferences or money for sets of chef’s knives, Foundation grants do make a real difference”, Carl Pascoe says.
With an improved website which streamlines the online application process, now it is even easier for Ara students and staff to make grant applications as opportunities arise throughout the year.
In addition, Ara Foundation is engaging with local business and industry around assisting the Foundation with its work, through its ability to provide straight forward and mutually beneficial solutions to administering grants and scholarships.
“While traditionally it is individuals that donate their names and funds toward grants and awards, we’re finding local businesses are more interested in giving back to their industry and local community. For example, we see the difference financial respite makes to an exceptional student who would otherwise be working two jobs while studying, receiving essential tools for the job, or being able to participate in an amazing project…. The positive ripple effects and benefits are widely recognised and significant.
“It makes sense for businesses to give and support locally, especially as the Foundation’s allocation process is proven to be fair, efficient and excellent value on investment”, Carl Pascoe says.
To read just some of the stories of the people the Foundation has assisted over the past 18 months, please follow this link: Ara-Foundation-2016-Annual-Review