Rosie Riggir general manager at the Geyser Community Foundation is urging Taupō artists to investigate the various funds available through foundation.
Funds such as the brand-new scholarship – The Geyser Vocal Development Fund – which had $4,000 available to support vocal talent and excellence in classical singing, for young people aged 13 to 21, was ”an opportunity for those young people that are just getting started and getting going,” she told Jesse Archer of LakeFM.
“So absolutely, do apply. This is an opportunity for you.”
It was one of several incredible opportunities for young musicians, Riggir said.
Others included the Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Fund and one started by Taupō’s Jenny McDonald. It supported young people to buy musical instruments.
“If you’ve been practising for a little bit on a school instrument and you want to actually get out there and get your own, check out the Jenny McDonald fund. She also supports young people with a disability to realise their dreams. So, check that out too, if that applies to you.”
Another going live this year, was the Andrew and Sharon Welch Family Fund, she said. It had $8,500 this year to support study and development in drama, music, the visual arts and performance, with a focus on nurturing emerging talent.
The foundation held funding on behalf of community members, she said.
“So, all the funding that we have is because somebody from the Geyser catchment, from Rotorua Taupō, has decided to make a gift back to the community. For the last 20 years, we’ve been taking those donations for the community, and we’ve been investing them and growing them.”
The proceeds were then delivered back to the community via grants and scholarships.
She urged not just musicians and artists but others to check out the list of Geyser Community Foundation funds.
“It’s best just to go in there and have a look because the funds that we have available are donor led. So that means that somebody from your community or from the wider community has made a decision that they want to protect, nurture or grow something. And so then they’ve left some money to support that particular cause.”
Many endowments were left in a will, but some came through living giving, she said.
“Making a contribution now, because if you chip in and give back in that way, you get to feel and understand how it impacts people.”
