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.

Applications currently closed

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

  • Tier 2 - for smaller projects
  • Tier 1 - for larger long-term projects

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

2024-2025 recipients

Tier 1

  • Cannons Creek Youth Charitable Trust for the Cannons Creek Boxing Academy to provide their boxing programmes to local students aged 9-19 at no cost.
  • Voice of Aroha to run workshops on digital media production, podcasting, and public speaking for young people with a focus on issues such as mental health, identity and belonging.

Tier 2

  • Holy Family School – for their Pa Harakeke (Harakeke Garden) project which comprises a labyrinth of harakeke complemented by clusters of edible and coastal plants, and areas for students to relax and meditate.
  • Wellness Within – to run workshops aiming to educate, inspire, and support as many tamariki as possible in leading healthy, balanced lives and enhancing their overall wellbeing.
  • Porirua Multicultural Council – for projects to support the identity of young people in Porirua from different communities and help them into the workforce.
  • Wellington Access Radio – to support three short-run radio shows/podcasts with three different groups of young people in the Porirua community.
  • Alofa Tunoa Trust – to run the Pasifika Cultural Connection Initiative, which aims to enhance community ties and cultural awareness among young people with disabilities.