Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
The Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund, administered in the Otago region by Sport Otago on behalf of Sport New Zealand, is now open for applications.
This funding initiative aims to inspire tamariki (children) and rangatahi (teenagers) to engage in sport, active recreation, and play, placing a strong emphasis on understanding and responding to what young people truly want.
One of the key funding streams available is Fast Funds, which offers up to $5,000 in a simplified, year-round application process for small-scale activities. Applications should demonstrate how proposed activities are shaped by youth input and how they address the needs of less active individuals.
Prospective applicants begin the process by submitting an expression of interest or connecting with Sport Otago’s Grants Coordinator. This step leads into developing a full application with support, including budget planning and use of templates. Projects should gather both numbers and stories to reflect impact, and a user-friendly reporting template ensures success is documented, even when plans evolve.
The fund particularly encourages initiatives serving young women, disabled youth, and other groups known to be less active. Eligibility extends to legal entities like schools, clubs, and community organizations that deliver activities responsive to local needs. Those working in school settings during class time must co-design with educational staff and complete a specific implementation form.
Reporting at project conclusion is required, including participation metrics, budget details, and qualitative feedback. Funded projects become part of a broader ecosystem of community-led activation that supports wellbeing through meaningful engagement.
This initiative offers a powerful platform for community groups, schools, and local organizations to secure seed funding—delivering youth-designed physical activity opportunities that build healthier and more inclusive communities.
For more information, visit Sport Otago.
