Abstract

Integrated social and economic local development aspirations of community groups are attainable with support from local, State and private organisations. In this study, the support structures providing funding and other assistance, the qualifying criteria outlined by support structures and the constraints encountered by community groups were examined. Local sources of funds were the most important for initial funding, followed by State, regional and financial institutions. On-going sources of finance for community groups were derived from the re-investment of profits from commercial activities and through grants from support structures. Community groups identified problems in accessing funds as delayed decision- making, late arrival of money, lack of internal co-ordination and a negative attitude towards certain types of projects. Applications were rejected because they were not within the remit of the support structureís work, or because the type of application was unsuitable. The results also showed that the support structures with different objectives had similar underlying philosophies for support. This was evident through the organisationsí stance on policy development and job creation. A systematic approach by community groups in locating and identifying suitable support structures is an important finding of this study.

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