Wellington, Sept 4 NZPA - The Government has given $8.8 million to social services groups that are under severe financial pressure, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said today.

The money is from the $104 million Community Response Fund, set up in May to help groups providing vital social services during the recession.

Ms Bennett said the main reason cited by groups applying for the first round of grants from the fund was reduced income from investments or philanthropic organisations.

"We know many Kiwi families are under stress and the financial pressure on those critical organisations is really starting to bite," she said.

"This first funding round will start to ease that pressure."

Ms Bennett said the average amount granted to individual groups was $40,995.

Four national organisations successfully applied, including Women's Refuge which received nearly $1m.

Ms Bennett said organisations which missed out on the first funding round were being encouraged to apply again.

"This has always been a highly targeted fund and we make no apologies for that," she said.

"We will, however, be holding regional briefings to help organisations better understand the criteria they need to meet."

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