Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Otago Community Trust Tamariki & Rangatahi Sector Capability Fund provides grants of up to $10,000 to help not-for-profit organisations strengthen their governance, management, sustainability, and operational capability. The fund supports initiatives that improve organisational effectiveness, build staff and volunteer skills, and enhance services for children and young people across communities.
Larger grants may also be considered for collaborative projects involving multiple youth-focused organisations where significant sector-wide impact can be demonstrated.
Fund Overview
The Tamariki & Rangatahi Sector Capability Fund is designed to strengthen the capacity of not-for-profit organisations working with children and young people. The programme focuses on building stronger organisations that can deliver sustainable, high-quality services and achieve long-term positive outcomes for their communities.
By investing in organisational development, governance, planning, and workforce capability, the fund helps organisations become more resilient, innovative, and financially sustainable.
Funding Amount
Eligible organisations can apply for:
- Up to $10,000 for organisational capability-building projects.
- Larger funding amounts may be considered for collaborative initiatives involving multiple youth-sector organisations.
- Collaborative projects must demonstrate significant sector-wide benefits and impact for a large number of staff, volunteers, children, and young people.
Key Focus Areas
The fund supports projects that strengthen:
- Organisational capability
- Governance effectiveness
- Leadership development
- Staff development
- Volunteer development
- Financial sustainability
- Strategic planning
- Business planning
- Organisational systems improvement
- Cultural capability
- Sector collaboration
- Innovation and partnership development
- Long-term organisational resilience
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Community-based organisations
- Charitable organisations
- Youth-serving organisations
- Organisations supporting children and young people
- Collaborative partnerships of youth-sector organisations
Applicants should demonstrate how the proposed project will improve organisational effectiveness and strengthen outcomes for children and young people.
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
The fund supports a wide range of organisational development activities.
Professional Development and Training
Funding may support:
- Staff training programmes
- Leadership development
- Professional development courses
- Volunteer training initiatives
- Workforce capability-building activities
Governance Development
Eligible governance activities include:
- Board governance training
- Governance capability development
- Trustee education programmes
- Governance best-practice implementation
Cultural Capability Initiatives
Funding can support:
- Te Tiriti training
- Cultural competency development
- Diversity and inclusion training
- Cultural awareness programmes
Training Resource Development
Organisations may develop:
- Staff training materials
- Volunteer handbooks
- Learning resources
- Operational guidance materials
Policy and Procedure Reviews
Funding may be used to engage consultants to:
- Review existing policies
- Update procedures
- Improve governance frameworks
- Strengthen organisational compliance systems
Strategic and Business Planning
Eligible activities include:
- Strategic planning development
- Business planning
- Sustainability planning
- Organisational growth planning
- Long-term development strategies
Organisational Systems Improvement
Funding may support implementation of:
- Financial management software
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
- Operational management systems
- Digital capability improvements
- Organisational efficiency tools
Evaluation and Impact Frameworks
Projects may include:
- Monitoring systems
- Evaluation frameworks
- Impact measurement tools
- Outcome assessment systems
- Performance reporting frameworks
Why This Fund Matters
Strong organisations are better equipped to support children, young people, families, and communities. Many community organisations face challenges related to governance, workforce development, strategic planning, and long-term sustainability.
This fund helps organisations strengthen their internal systems, leadership, and operational capability so they can continue delivering meaningful services and responding effectively to changing community needs.
By supporting organisational development, the fund contributes to a stronger and more sustainable youth sector.
Expected Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to contribute to:
- Improved organisational effectiveness
- Stronger governance practices
- Enhanced staff and volunteer skills
- Better strategic decision-making
- Increased financial sustainability
- Improved service quality
- Stronger partnerships and collaboration
- Greater innovation across the sector
- Better outcomes for children and young people
What Cannot Be Funded?
Capability Funding cannot be used for:
Staffing and Operational Costs
- Salaries for regular operational positions
- Ongoing staffing costs
- Wage subsidies
- Staff allowances
- Volunteer allowances
Capital Expenditure
- Building construction
- Facility renovations
- Property repairs
- Infrastructure projects
- Major asset purchases
Equipment Purchases
Examples include:
- Computers
- General office equipment
- Vehicles
- Capital assets
Operational Deficits
Funding cannot be used to:
- Cover organisational shortfalls
- Pay existing debts
- Support routine operational expenses
Personal Expenses
Funding cannot cover:
- Personal reimbursements
- Individual allowances
- Non-project-related expenses
How to Apply
Step 1: Assess Organisational Needs
Identify capability gaps within your organisation, such as governance, planning, training, systems, or sustainability challenges.
Step 2: Develop a Capability-Building Project
Design a project that strengthens organisational effectiveness and supports long-term impact.
Step 3: Prepare a Project Plan
Clearly explain:
- The capability challenge being addressed
- Proposed activities
- Expected outcomes
- Benefits for staff, volunteers, and the community
- Budget requirements
Step 4: Demonstrate Impact
Show how the project will:
- Improve organisational performance
- Strengthen sustainability
- Enhance service delivery
- Benefit children and young people
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Ensure all required information is complete and aligned with the fund objectives.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Focus on long-term organisational improvement.
- Demonstrate clear benefits for children and young people.
- Show how the project strengthens sustainability.
- Include measurable outcomes.
- Explain how new skills or systems will be maintained after funding ends.
- Highlight collaboration opportunities where relevant.
- Provide a realistic and detailed budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Requesting funding for operational salaries.
- Including ineligible capital expenditure.
- Failing to demonstrate organisational impact.
- Providing unclear project objectives.
- Submitting unrealistic budgets.
- Focusing only on short-term benefits.
- Not showing how the project supports long-term sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding is available?
Most organisations can apply for up to $10,000, while larger collaborative projects may be considered for additional funding.
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organisations and youth-focused community organisations working with children and young people.
Can funding be used for staff salaries?
No. Funding cannot be used for regular operational staffing costs, wages, or allowances.
Can organisations fund governance training?
Yes. Governance development and board training are eligible activities.
Can we purchase software systems?
Yes. Organisational systems such as finance software and CRM platforms may be funded where they strengthen organisational capability.
Are collaborative projects encouraged?
Yes. Collaborative initiatives involving multiple youth organisations are encouraged and may be eligible for larger funding amounts.
Can funding be used for building renovations or equipment purchases?
No. Capital expenditure, construction, renovations, repairs, and general asset purchases are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Otago Community Trust Tamariki & Rangatahi Sector Capability Fund provides valuable support for not-for-profit organisations seeking to strengthen governance, leadership, systems, sustainability, and workforce capability. Through grants of up to $10,000, the programme helps organisations build stronger foundations, improve service delivery, and create lasting positive outcomes for children, young people, and communities across the region.
For more information, visit University of St.Gallen.