Young People's Fund

We support young people in our city through grants and funding programmes. But it’s not just about money – we want to support our rangatahi and tamariki as they take on challenges and learn new skills.

Young People's Fund

This fund offers grants for projects or initiatives that will have a significant impact on children and young people living in our city.


Funding tiers

There are two tiers of funding available, one for larger or long-term projects, and the other for smaller community projects.

Tier 1: Two grants available, every three years. Next applications opening 16 September 2024.

Tier 2: Five or six grants of $6000 as a one-off payment, open again in 16 September 2024.

We welcome applications from groups of young people, but you need the support of a legal organisation who will guide the project. This could be a school or a local not-for-profit group.


Events - kids having fun


We are looking for projects to support under the following focus areas.

  • LGBTQI+
  • Cultural identity and belonging
  • Youth programmes that focus on migrants and former refugees
  • Maori led youth programmes
  • Pacific led youth programmes

Examples of projects could include:

  • Language and culture celebrations and education
  • Creating targeted support networks and activities

  • Harbour
  • Waste reduction and minimisation
  • Climate change mitigation
  • Food sustainability and education

Examples of projects could include

  • Planting projects in collaboration with existing initiatives
  • Community gardens and education
  • Cooking classes and education
  • Sustainable clothing and goods initiatives

  • Mental health initiatives and support
  • Strengthening social connections
  • Healthy and active lifestyles

Examples of projects could include

  • Youth led peer support groups
  • Exercise and training initiatives
  • Safe places and spaces to connect

How to apply

First, read the guidelines. These give you all the information you'll need for your application.

Then fill in an application form for the grant you wish to apply for:

Applications open 16 September 2024 and close on 18 October 2024.

Need help?

If you've read through all the details, and are still not sure what to apply for, or have any other questions, contact our Partnerships Advisor – Children Young People and Families, Sam Tyler email [email protected]

Young People’s Fund

2023-2024 recipients

  • Bee Healthy Regional Dental Service to connect with whānau of Tamariki with autism I the Wellington region, to host focus groups to better understand their childs experience of oral health.
  • Changemakers Resettlement Forum to develop youth groups which are ethnic specific and led by youth leaders from the community to carry out their own activities of cultural identity.
  • Graeme Dingle Foundation Wellington to support their programmes in schools and in the community, in areas of social deprivation where Tamariki and rangatahi might be exposed to significant environmental obstacles.
  • Wellfed NZ Trust to develop their existing community garden into a Garden and Food Waste Hub which will provide learning opportunities about growing food at home, how to reduce food waste and how to compost at home.
  • Wellington Northern Region Polyfest Trust to deliver the 2024 Te Kiwa Nui Festival at Te Rauparaha Arena in August.
  • Weet-Bix TRYathlon Foundation to deliver two TRY challenges in Schools (TCIS) Experiences targeted towards primary and intermediate aged kids to increase the physical and mental wellbeing of participants.