The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund approved 14 proposals totalling $199,825.20 from 21 applications, supporting community initiatives across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, with a focus on sports, wellness and youth development.

The Social Impact Fund (SIF) coordinated and distributed by Te Tango Akarangatira Ora’anga/Ministry of Internal Affairs (INTAFF) is dedicated to improving community development and enhancing the quality of life for all people.

This initiative seeks to empower grassroots organisations that contribute to the betterment of our communities.

The 2024-2025 Social Impact Fund budget allocation was $200,000. Twenty-one applications were evaluated and assessed, totalling to a budget request of $488,702.46.

From these applications, 14 proposals were approved – nine from Rarotonga and five from the Pa Enua, to a total approved budget of $199,825.20. Seven proposals were declined – four from Rarotonga and three from the Pa Enua.

On Thursday, INTAFF hosted a wonderful, interactive signing ceremony for the recipients of the Social Impact Fund.

INTAFF Minister Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown acknowledged the government, INTAFF secretary Anne Herman and the board for their hard work.

“It is not easy to select and deny applications,” said Toki-Brown.

Addressing the recipients, she said: “We need you; we can’t do this alone and neither can government. We look forward to your great work for the community in making our nation a better place.”

Herman paid tribute to Toki-Brown for her consideration of the needs of women, men and children, and for her consistent advocacy for equality both locally and internationally.

She said this year the board pushed ahead for the organisations promoting sports which envelops mental health and healthy well-being.

Herman also said that they are now opening to the wider mainstream events because they need to, in regards to the statistics coming out of Te Marae Ora health ministry.

“It’s a real pleasure today to say we have 14 recipients. The board has focused and targeted the proposals they thought would make the greatest social impact. Congratulations to you all,” Herman said.

She recognised the hard work of INTAFF manager of social policy and services, Princess Heleina Raukete, and expressed pride in the board under the leadership of Junior Abraham, a Pa Enua representative.

The board’s incoming chair Tina Iro said sports and wellness groups were also recognised since they promote fitness and health to fight non communicable diseases (NCDs).

Tita Teei, from the Cook Islands Mixed Martial Arts Incorporated, said he and orea Cowan have been practicing and teaching martial arts and kickboxing at the Avatiu Clubhouse for nine years.

“We teach a lot of young kids; we teach how to be better people and to respect. We believe if you learn respect that’s where it starts from,” Teei said.

He said the funding will help with new equipment like gloves and much needed resources.

“We want to keep improving and working on what we do. Our passion is about helping our young ones, helping everyone around you.”

The successful Social Impact Fund recipients are: Tamariki Kūki 'Āirani Trust, Nukutere College Incorporated (Inclusive Education), Te Punanga Ora’anga Matutu, Cook Islands Child Welfare Association Inc, CC Tamure Fitness, Cook Islands National Council of Women, Cook Islands National Youth Council, Creative Centre Trust, Cook Islands Mixed Martial Art Incorporated, Omoka Women’s Organisation – Penrhyn, Mangaia Health & Fitness Association Inc – Mangaia, Tearoa Club – Pukapuka, Te Puera Tiare Māori Vainetini – Atiu, Ye Kalokalo Fitness Club – Pukapuka.

The SIF Board Members are: Angie Tuara – INTAFF, Sanjinita Sunish – Ministry of Education, Roana Mataitini – TMO, Junior Abraham – SIF chair Pa Enua, Tina Iro – Rarotonga, Clee Marsters – Rarotonga, Princess Heleina Raukete – Secretariat.