Funding for Rangatahi-led project now open

Announcements

Dunedin youth are being put in the driver’s seat thanks to the Otago Community Trust’s new Rangatahi-Led Fund. The fund offers grants of up to $5,000 for rangatahi-led projects and is now open to applications.

At the helm of the fund is a small group of local Dunedin rangatahi (young people) who will lead the funding decisions, with the support of Otago Community Trust staff Liz Harburg and Jo Taylor.

Group members Adeleah Nukanuka (17) and Meischarla Pinn (15) are excited to be a part of the fund. "As a Pasifika student, it is heart-warming to be a part of a change that will give more opportunities for our Pasifika culture to be showcased.  It is uplifting to me to know that there are other people who are wanting to give not only Pasifika Peoples an opportunity, but also other people of different cultures and identification." Says Adeleah.

“The rangatahi-led fund gives opportunities for younger people to put together fun and creative ideas and is also a learning experience for us all” Says Meischarla.

Otago Community Trust Chair, Andy Kilsby shared it is important to Trustees that the rangatahi take the lead on the fund. “Rangatahi know what works for other rangatahi, they are capable and wise and so we are confident to put our trust in them” says Kilsby.

The fund is open to 14-24 year olds living in the Dunedin City Council boundaries who have an idea or project that will help rangatahi connect and promote diversity. “We want to fund projects that are new and creative ideas” Says Miss Nukanuka, “It is ok if you don’t know all of the details on how your idea will work, we still want to hear from you and we might be able to help you with your application”.

Rangatahi wishing to apply to the Rangatahi-Led Fund can apply online at www.oct.org.nz or contact the group via email rangatahi@oct.org.nz to ask any questions. Applications are now open and will close 25th June 2023.

The Rangatahi-Led Fund is part of a suite of new funds under the Otago Community Trust’s Tamariki and Rangatahi Strategy, launched in March 2022. Under the strategy $10million was ringfenced to support projects and initiatives that align with the strategy and this includes up to $100,000 per annum being made available for youth-led projects. The fund will be available across all of Otago in 2023, with Waitaki and Dunedin being the first funds to launch and South Otago and Central Otago funds due to open soon.

Photo Credit: Brenda Harwood, The Star - Dunedin