Deadline: 08-Mar-2026
The Whangārei District Council Youth Week Fund supports rangatahi and tamariki aged 12–24 to organise community events or projects celebrating Youth Week. The fund provides up to $20,000 for general activities and up to $100,000 for facilities development, with a focus on arts, culture, recreation, environment, and community wellbeing. Applications are open year-round with an eight-week decision timeline.
Overview
The Youth Week Fund is designed to empower young people aged 12–24 in the Whangārei district to develop, plan, and deliver events or projects that celebrate Youth Week. By participating, rangatahi and tamariki gain learning opportunities, leadership skills, and personal growth.
Key Focus Areas
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Arts, Culture and Heritage – Projects that celebrate the history, language, arts, and culture of local communities.
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Recreation and Sport – Activities providing inclusive recreational or sporting opportunities for all ages and abilities.
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Environment – Initiatives promoting environmental awareness, resilience to climate change, and kaitiakitanga of the local taiao.
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Community Wellbeing – Projects enhancing community participation, resilience, equitable outcomes, and safe, healthy, thriving neighbourhoods.
Funding Structure
The fund is part of the Whangārei Communities Fund, a flexible funding pool of approximately $900,000 per year.
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General Applications
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Request up to $20,000 for events, programmes, operational costs, or equipment.
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Typical awards range between $5,000–$10,000.
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Facilities Development Applications
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Request up to $100,000 for new builds, renovations, or maintenance.
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Must include a strong business case with plans, costings, quotes, photos, and evidence of community support.
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Facilities insurance support up to $2,000 is available for low-income facilities (<$5,000 annual income).
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Co-Funding Requirement
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Applications requesting more than $10,000 must demonstrate 30% co-funding from other sources.
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Eligible Activities
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Community events, festivals, parades, tournaments, shows.
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Programs, workshops, classes, seminars, and projects.
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Development, maintenance, and operational costs of community facilities.
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Purchase of equipment for community purposes.
Ineligible Activities
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Travel outside Whangārei district or mileage reimbursements.
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Fully catered meals, uniforms, or promotional merchandise.
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Conference fees, retrospective costs, or projects primarily promoting religious, political, or commercial activity.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
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Not-for-profit or charitable organisations based in Whangārei with proper governance and a bank account in the organisation’s name.
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Schools and religious organisations may apply only if projects primarily benefit the wider community.
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Political organisations are not eligible.
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Organisations must have completed any existing grant reporting obligations.
How to Apply
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Prepare Your Proposal: Outline project objectives, target participants (12–24 years), budget, and expected outcomes.
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Determine Funding Type: Decide if your project qualifies for General Funding (up to $20,000) or Facilities Development (up to $100,000).
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Submit Supporting Documents: Include plans, quotes, photos, and evidence of community support, particularly for facilities projects.
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Demonstrate Compliance: Ensure your organisation is legally compliant, has up-to-date governance, and meets eligibility criteria.
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Submit Application: Applications can be submitted anytime via the Whangārei District Council platform.
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Await Decision: Funding decisions are typically made within eight weeks. Projects must not start before funding approval.
Tips for Success
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Engage youth directly in project planning and delivery.
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Highlight community impact and participation.
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Include realistic budgets with clear cost breakdowns.
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Ensure co-funding commitments (if applicable) are documented.
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Avoid ineligible expenses to prevent delays or rejection.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the Youth Week Fund?
Eligible applicants are not-for-profit or charitable organisations in Whangārei. Schools and religious organisations may apply only if the project benefits the wider community.
2. What types of projects are funded?
Events, programmes, workshops, recreational and sporting activities, environmental initiatives, community wellbeing projects, and facilities development or maintenance.
3. How much funding can I request?
General projects: up to $20,000. Facilities development: up to $100,000. Co-funding is required for requests over $10,000.
4. Can the project start before receiving funding?
No, projects must not begin or incur costs before funding approval.
5. How long does it take to receive a decision?
Decisions are typically made within eight weeks of submission.
6. Are there any restrictions on fund usage?
Yes, funding cannot be used for travel outside the district, mileage, fully catered meals, uniforms, promotional merchandise, conferences, retrospective costs, or primarily religious, political, or commercial activities.
7. Can youth lead the projects?
Yes, projects should involve rangatahi and tamariki aged 12–24 in planning, organizing, and delivering activities.
Conclusion
The Whangārei District Council Youth Week Fund provides a meaningful opportunity for young people to lead community initiatives, build skills, and strengthen neighbourhood connections. By supporting arts, culture, recreation, environmental stewardship, and community wellbeing, the fund fosters inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant community development across the Whangārei district.
For more information, visit Whangarei District Council.