Call for Applications: Youthtown Trust Grants (New Zealand)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The Youthtown Trust Grants provide funding to not-for-profit groups, amateur sports organisations, and community initiatives in New Zealand that deliver programmes and activities benefiting young people and local communities. The grants are funded through gaming proceeds and are reinvested into communities in the regions where the funds are generated. Youthtown Trust prioritises projects that support youth programmes and facilities, amateur youth sport, and youth participation in outdoor, cultural, and artistic activities. Funding can support tangible items, programmes, and other charitable or non-commercial purposes that provide direct or indirect benefits to groups of young people or the wider community. Grants of up to $50,000 are typically considered by the Grants Committee, while larger requests may be considered by the Board. Applications are reviewed monthly, except in January, with decisions communicated within seven working days following each Grants Meeting. What Are Youthtown Trust Grants? Youthtown Trust Grants support community organisations across New Zealand that deliver activities and programmes for young people and the wider public. The Trust reinvests proceeds generated through gaming into communities, providing financial support to organisations that contribute to youth development, sport, community participation, and cultural activities. Funding is intended to help organisations meet practical needs and deliver initiatives that create meaningful community benefits. What Are the Priorities of Youthtown Trust? Youthtown Trust places particular emphasis on projects that benefit young people and strengthen community participation.

Priority areas include:

- Development and operation of youth programmes. - Development and operation of youth facilities. - Amateur youth sport. - Outdoor activities for young people. - Cultural activities. - Artistic activities. - Youth engagement and participation. - Community-based initiatives that benefit the wider public. Projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to groups of young people or the community. Who Can Apply for Youthtown Trust Funding? The grants are intended for organisations and groups working on not-for-profit and community-focused activities.

Potential applicants include:

- Not-for-profit groups. - Amateur sports organisations. - Community-based initiatives. - Organisations delivering youth programmes. - Organisations operating youth facilities. - Groups providing cultural, artistic, or outdoor activities for young people. Funding is available in the regions of New Zealand where the relevant gaming funds are generated. What Can the Funding Support? Youthtown Trust funding can support tangible items and initiatives that provide direct or indirect benefits to groups of young people.

Eligible funding purposes can include:

- Materials and equipment. - Items required for youth programmes. - Resources for community activities. - Equipment for amateur youth sport. - Items supporting outdoor activities. - Resources supporting cultural and artistic programmes. - Youth facilities and related needs. - Other charitable or non-commercial purposes that benefit the community. Applicants are encouraged to focus on material or programme-based needs rather than wage and salary costs. Are Wage and Salary Costs a Priority? Wage and salary requests are considered low priority by Youthtown Trust. Applicants are therefore encouraged to focus their requests on tangible items, programme requirements, equipment, facilities, or other direct costs that support community and youth-focused activities. How Much Funding Is Available? Grants of up to $50,000 are typically considered by the Youthtown Trust Grants Committee. Requests exceeding $50,000 may be reviewed by the Board. For larger funding requests, applicants may be required to provide evidence demonstrating the project’s community benefit. How Are Applications Reviewed? Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis, except during January. Following each Grants Meeting, applicants are informed of the funding decision within seven working days. This monthly review structure allows organisations to submit applications throughout the year rather than relying on a single annual funding round. What Are the Restrictions on Funding? Applicants should carefully consider the timing and previous funding history of their projects. Youthtown Trust funding is subject to several restrictions: - Funding is limited to costs incurred after the relevant Grants Meeting. - Retrospective costs are not eligible. - Projects that have already received funding are not eligible for additional funding for the same purpose. - Organisations are generally limited to one successful grant application per year. - An additional successful application may be permitted only if approved by the Grants Committee or Board. Applicants should therefore ensure that they submit their funding request before the costs are incurred. How Many Successful Applications Can an Organisation Receive? Only one successful grant application per organisation per year is normally permitted. An exception may be made where the Grants Committee or Board approves an additional successful application. Organisations should therefore carefully assess their annual funding needs and consider which project or items should receive priority. What Makes a Strong Youthtown Trust Application? A strong application should clearly explain how the requested funding will benefit young people or the wider community.

Applicants should consider demonstrating:

- The community need being addressed. - The number or groups of young people expected to benefit. - How the project supports youth development. - How the requested items or programme will be used. - Why the funding is necessary. - The expected community outcomes. - How the project provides direct or indirect benefits to young people. - Why the requested costs are reasonable and appropriate. For large