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.

Tier 2: Five or six grants of $6000 as a one-off payment.

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:

  • LGBTQIA+
  • Cultural identity and belonging
  • Youth programmes that focus on migrants and former refugees
  • Māori 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.

Tier 2 applications open on 18 August

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

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.
  • Youth Cultures and Community Trust - Praxis Education Kenepuru – for their Liminal project which provides a more focused opportunity for mentors to work alongside their rangatahi in new environments and challenging experiences.