The voluntary fire service is expecting its first round of government funding.

The funding will come in the form of the Cook Islands Social Impact Fund (SIF) which is a contestable grant fund administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Speaking to Takitumu Fire Chief Alistair Macquarie, he said, “We the volunteer brigades are thankful for the support from the government via internal affairs and the social impact fund (SIF) grant which helps us budget for operational costs and equipment.

“Our first round of the year for 2022 is coming up, which comes via two 6-monthly budget funding rounds.

“We are also thankful for other donations such as from Paul Lynch recently, whose efforts this year have gone towards unbudgeted expenditure items we require during the year.”

The Cook Islands Social Impact Fund is fully funded by the Cook Islands Government to support registered civil society organisations (CSO), civil society groups, sports, faith-based organisations, and community groups.

The SIF fund also contributes to the achievement of the national sustainable development plan goals through national social policies.

Previously known as the Community Initiative Scheme (CIS), it was established as a partnership between the Cook Islands and New Zealand governments in 2012 to streamline funding support to the country’s civil society sector.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs website, it provides for the delivery of quality services by civil organisations to meet the needs of those most vulnerable.

The priority areas of the fund include: achieving gender equality, empowering all women and girls, advancing the rights of youth, the elderly, and the disabled as well as improving health and promoting healthy lifestyles.

For those seeking further information about the SIF fund, they are advised to contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs directly.