Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
Applications are open for the Youthtown Trust Funding Programme, which provides financial support to not-for-profit organisations across New Zealand delivering youth development programmes, community initiatives, amateur youth sport, and charitable activities. The funding aims to create positive opportunities for young people through sport, outdoor education, cultural engagement, community services, and other youth-focused programmes.
As one of New Zealand’s longest-established youth organisations, Youthtown supports projects that strengthen communities while helping young people develop skills, confidence, leadership, and social connections.
Overview
The Youthtown Trust Funding Programme supports organisations that deliver activities and services benefiting young people and communities throughout New Zealand.
Funding is primarily focused on initiatives that promote youth development, encourage participation in sport and recreation, provide access to cultural and artistic opportunities, and strengthen community wellbeing through charitable and non-commercial activities.
The programme also supports the development and operation of facilities and services that directly contribute to positive outcomes for young people.
Funding Priorities
Youthtown funding supports projects and activities aligned with its charitable objectives and commitment to youth development.
Priority areas include:
- Development and operation of Youthtown programmes
- Development and maintenance of Youthtown facilities
- Amateur youth sport programmes
- Amateur youth sport facilities
- Outdoor education and recreation activities
- Youth leadership and development initiatives
- Cultural programmes for young people
- Artistic and creative activities
- Music programmes
- Drama and performing arts initiatives
- Community-based youth support projects
- Charitable activities benefiting young people
- Non-commercial community initiatives
Objectives of the Fund
The programme aims to:
- Support positive youth development
- Increase access to sport and recreation opportunities
- Encourage participation in cultural and creative activities
- Strengthen community engagement among young people
- Support organisations delivering charitable services
- Improve facilities and resources available to youth
- Promote healthy, active, and connected communities
- Assist organisations creating opportunities for young people to thrive
Eligible Applicants
Funding is available to a range of incorporated not-for-profit organisations operating within New Zealand.
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charitable organisations
- Incorporated societies
- Associations established for charitable purposes
- Community organisations
- Regional organisations
- Amateur sports organisations
- Youth-focused organisations
- Community development groups
Sports Organisations
Sports organisations must generally:
- Be amateur in nature
- Be affiliated with a recognised national sporting body
- Demonstrate clear community benefit
- Support youth participation and development
National Organisations
National organisations may also apply if they can demonstrate:
- Clear regional impact
- Direct community benefit
- Positive outcomes for young people
- Alignment with Youthtown funding priorities
Eligible Activities
Funding may support a broad range of youth-focused initiatives.
Examples include:
- Youth development programmes
- Community youth projects
- Outdoor adventure programmes
- Sports participation initiatives
- Facility development and improvements
- Cultural events and programmes
- Arts education projects
- Music and performance programmes
- Leadership development activities
- Community engagement initiatives
- Recreational activities for young people
- Charitable programmes benefiting youth
Projects should clearly demonstrate how they contribute to the development, wellbeing, or participation of young people within their communities.
Ineligible Activities and Expenditure
The fund does not support certain activities, costs, or organisations.
Ineligible expenses include:
- Retrospective expenditure
- Costs already incurred before approval
- Commercial or private business activities
- Projects already funded through another source
- Multi-year funding requests
- Fundraising activities
- Professional sports activities
- Social sports teams
- Non-affiliated sports teams
- Affiliation fees
- Membership fees
- Subscriptions
- Competition prizes
- Awards and trophies
- Food and catering expenses
- Medical supplies
- Physiotherapy services
- Mouthguards
Industries and Activities Excluded
Funding is also not available for:
- Horse racing activities
- Commercial ventures
- Private profit-making projects
- Activities inconsistent with Youthtown’s charitable objectives
Applicants should carefully review all funding conditions before submitting an application.
Grant Limits and Application Rules
Organisations should be aware of the programme’s application limitations.
Key rules include:
- Only one successful grant application may be approved per organisation each year.
- Additional successful applications require special approval.
- Grants of up to $50,000 require approval from the Grants Committee.
- Grants above $50,000 require approval from the Board.
- Exceptions may be granted at the discretion of the relevant decision-making body.
These restrictions help ensure funding is distributed fairly across a wide range of organisations and communities.
Assessment Process
Applications are reviewed by the Youthtown Grants Subcommittee.
The committee assesses applications based on:
- Alignment with Youthtown funding objectives
- Community impact
- Benefits for young people
- Organisational capability
- Project feasibility
- Charitable purpose
- Value to the local community
Projects that demonstrate strong youth outcomes and clear community benefits are likely to be more competitive.
Application Timeline
The Youthtown Grants Subcommittee meets regularly throughout the year.
Meeting Schedule
- Meetings are held monthly.
- No meeting is held during January.
- Applications received during a calendar month are considered at the following month’s meeting.
Decision Notification
Applicants are typically informed of funding decisions:
- Within seven working days following the Grants Subcommittee meeting.
This process provides applicants with a relatively quick funding decision compared to many grant programmes.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Before applying, organisations should ensure they:
- Are incorporated not-for-profit entities
- Meet Youthtown’s eligibility requirements
- Deliver activities aligned with programme objectives
Step 2: Develop Your Project Proposal
Clearly outline:
- Project objectives
- Target beneficiaries
- Expected outcomes
- Community impact
- Benefits for young people
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Information
Applicants should gather:
- Organisational details
- Evidence of incorporation or charitable status
- Project budget
- Activity plans
- Supporting documentation
Step 4: Submit the Application
Ensure all required information is included before submission.
Applications received during a month will generally be considered at the following month’s Grants Subcommittee meeting.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly demonstrate how young people will benefit.
- Show strong community impact and engagement.
- Explain how the project supports youth development.
- Provide a realistic and transparent budget.
- Ensure the project aligns with Youthtown’s charitable objectives.
- Avoid including ineligible expenses in funding requests.
- Highlight measurable outcomes and long-term benefits.
- Submit complete supporting documentation.
Why This Funding Matters
Youth-focused programmes play an important role in helping young people develop confidence, leadership skills, resilience, and community connections. Access to sport, outdoor education, arts, culture, and community services can significantly improve outcomes for young people and strengthen local communities.
The Youthtown Trust Funding Programme helps organisations expand these opportunities by providing financial support for initiatives that promote participation, personal growth, and community wellbeing. Through its continued investment in youth development, Youthtown contributes to stronger and more connected communities across New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply for Youthtown funding?
- Incorporated not-for-profit organisations, charitable organisations, community groups, and eligible amateur sports organisations operating in New Zealand.
- What types of projects are funded?
- Youth development programmes, amateur youth sport, outdoor activities, cultural initiatives, arts projects, music programmes, drama activities, and community-based youth services.
- Can national organisations apply?
- Yes. National organisations may apply if they can demonstrate clear regional or community benefits.
- How many successful applications can an organisation receive each year?
- Generally, only one successful application per organisation is permitted each year unless special approval is granted.
- Does the programme fund professional sports?
- No. Professional sports and certain non-affiliated sporting activities are not eligible.
- Are food and catering expenses eligible?
- No. Food, catering, memberships, subscriptions, prizes, and several other expenses are excluded from funding.
- When are funding decisions announced?
- Applicants are generally notified within seven working days after the Grants Subcommittee meeting at which their application is considered.
Conclusion
The Youthtown Trust Funding Programme supports not-for-profit organisations across New Zealand that are creating meaningful opportunities for young people through sport, recreation, culture, community engagement, and charitable services. By funding programmes and facilities that contribute to youth development and community wellbeing, Youthtown continues its long-standing mission of helping young people build skills, confidence, and positive futures. Organisations with projects that align with these objectives are encouraged to apply and demonstrate the impact their initiatives will have on young people and their communities.
For more information, visit Youthtown Trust.