Deadline: 31-Jan-2026
The Youthtown Trust is a long-established New Zealand not-for-profit that provides grant funding to support youth development, community programmes, and amateur sport through the redistribution of gaming machine proceeds. Funding is available to eligible charitable and community organisations operating in areas where Youthtown gaming venues are located, with applications assessed on a monthly basis.
Overview
The Youthtown Trust is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most respected not-for-profit organisations dedicated to supporting young people through positive development opportunities, community initiatives, and youth-focused programmes.
The Trust operates by redistributing net proceeds from gaming machines at partner gaming venues across New Zealand back into the local communities where the funds are generated. This funding model enables Youthtown Trust to invest directly in projects that help young people build aspirations, realise their potential, and have their achievements recognised.
Purpose and Mission
The core mission of the Youthtown Trust is to strengthen youth and community outcomes by funding charitable and non-commercial activities that benefit young people and the wider community.
The Trust emphasises responsible, transparent, and professional grant distribution to ensure funding delivers meaningful and lasting impact across New Zealand communities.
Key Funding Focus Areas
Youthtown Trust funding priorities include support for the following areas:
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Development and operation of Youthtown programmes and facilities
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Encouragement and development of amateur youth sport, including facilities, within legally constituted sporting organisations
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Support for youth outdoor, cultural, and creative activities, including arts, music, drama, and performance programmes
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Financial support for community-based organisations that provide direct or indirect benefits to youth groups
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Other charitable or non-commercial purposes that deliver clear community benefit
All funded activities must align with the authorised purposes of the Youthtown Trust.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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Not-for-profit groups incorporated as charitable organisations or associations promoting charitable purposes
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Incorporated regional and community not-for-profit organisations operating in areas where Youthtown gaming venues are located
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Amateur sports organisations that are incorporated community groups and affiliated with recognised national sporting bodies
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National organisations, provided they can clearly demonstrate regional and community-level benefits resulting from the grant
Applicants must be legally constituted and operate on a not-for-profit basis.
How Youthtown Trust Funding Works
Youthtown Trust redistributes net gaming proceeds annually and locally, ensuring that funds generated within a community are returned to support projects in that same area.
Funding decisions are made by a dedicated Grants Subcommittee, with oversight from the Trust’s governance structures to ensure accountability and impact.
Organisations are generally limited to one successful grant per year, unless an exception is approved by the Grants Committee or Board for larger or strategic grants.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step
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Confirm your organisation is eligible and operates in an area served by Youthtown gaming venues
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Ensure your project aligns with the Trust’s authorised purposes and funding priorities
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Prepare a clear application outlining the purpose, community benefit, and youth impact of your project
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Submit your application through the Youthtown Trust online grants portal
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Applications are reviewed at monthly Grants Subcommittee meetings
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Approved grants are paid out shortly after the meeting
Applicants should ensure all information is complete and accurate to avoid delays in assessment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Submitting applications that do not clearly benefit youth or the wider community
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Applying for purposes outside the Trust’s authorised charitable objectives
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Incomplete or unclear project descriptions and budgets
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Applying more than once in a year without prior approval for an exception
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Failing to demonstrate local or regional community impact
Why Youthtown Trust Funding Matters
Youthtown Trust funding plays a critical role in strengthening New Zealand communities by:
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Supporting youth wellbeing, engagement, and positive development
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Enabling access to sports, cultural, and creative opportunities
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Strengthening grassroots community organisations
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Ensuring gaming proceeds are reinvested responsibly and locally
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Delivering long-term social value beyond short-term project outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Youthtown Trust funding available nationwide?
Funding is available in communities where Youthtown gaming venues operate, with proceeds redistributed locally.
2. Can national organisations apply for funding?
Yes, if they can demonstrate clear regional and community-level benefits.
3. How often are funding decisions made?
Funding decisions are typically made at monthly Grants Subcommittee meetings.
4. Is there a limit on how many grants an organisation can receive?
Organisations are usually limited to one successful grant per year unless an exception is approved.
5. What types of projects are prioritised?
Projects supporting youth programmes, amateur sport, cultural activities, and community-based youth initiatives are prioritised.
6. How soon are approved grants paid?
Approved grants are generally paid shortly after the relevant Grants Subcommittee meeting.
Conclusion
The Youthtown Trust provides an important funding pathway for charitable and community organisations working to support young people across New Zealand. By reinvesting gaming proceeds into youth development, sport, culture, and community initiatives, the Trust continues to create meaningful opportunities that help young people thrive and strengthen the communities they belong to.
For more information, visit Youthtown Trust.
