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Applications open for Youth Week Grant Program 2026 (New Zealand)

Deadline: 15-Mar-2026

Ara Taiohi’s Youth Week Grants support youth-led initiatives across Aotearoa New Zealand, providing up to $1,000 + GST to empower young people to design and deliver events celebrating Youth Week. Projects must be youth-led, reflect the 2026 theme “Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi – Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard”, and promote inclusion, equity, and meaningful youth participation.

Overview

The Youth Week Grants program by Ara Taiohi supports youth-led initiatives that:

  • Empower young people to design, plan, and deliver events.

  • Amplify youth voice, leadership, and participation.

  • Celebrate the 2026 Youth Week theme:
    “Taringa whakarongo! Ki te reo o ngā taiohi – Our voices matter! We deserve to be heard.”

The grants provide funding of up to $1,000 + GST to help youth turn ideas into meaningful and impactful activities.

Key Objectives

  • Encourage youth-led decision-making across all project stages.

  • Promote equity, inclusion, and accessibility for underserved or underrepresented young people.

  • Support regional representation across Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Celebrate and amplify youth voices through creative and participatory initiatives.

Who is Eligible?

  • Young people leading initiatives across Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Projects must be youth-led, with meaningful involvement of young people in:

    1. Ideation

    2. Planning

    3. Delivery

    4. Evaluation

  • Projects should reflect the 2026 Youth Week theme.

How to Apply

  1. Develop a project plan: Define the idea, goals, intended outcomes, and how young people will lead the process.

  2. Demonstrate alignment with the theme: Ensure the event reflects youth voices, leadership, or participation.

  3. Show commitment to equity and inclusion: Highlight how your project creates space for underserved or underrepresented youth.

  4. Prepare a budget: Request funding up to $1,000 + GST and ensure funds are used effectively.

  5. Submit the application: Complete the online application form and review all Terms and Conditions carefully.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are reviewed by a youth assessor panel with lived experience, focusing on:

  • Youth leadership: Extent of youth involvement throughout the project lifecycle.

  • Relevance to Youth Week theme: Connection to amplifying youth voices.

  • Equity and accessibility: Inclusion of underserved or underrepresented groups.

  • Impact: Potential to positively affect participants and the wider community.

  • Clarity and feasibility: Clear, concise, and achievable plans.

Funding Details

  • Maximum funding: $1,000 + GST per project.

  • Not all projects will receive full funding; funding is competitive.

  • Funds should support event delivery, materials, or related costs aligned with project objectives.

Tips for Successful Applications

  • Ensure the project is truly youth-led, not adult-directed.

  • Demonstrate strong engagement and leadership by young people.

  • Clearly show how your project amplifies youth voices.

  • Highlight efforts to include underserved or underrepresented youth.

  • Keep the application clear, concise, and well-organized.

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Youth Week Grants?
Young people leading initiatives across Aotearoa New Zealand, with meaningful youth involvement throughout the project.

2. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $1,000 + GST per project.

3. What types of projects are eligible?
Youth-led events or initiatives that celebrate youth voices, leadership, and participation, aligned with the 2026 Youth Week theme.

4. How are applications assessed?
By a panel of youth assessors considering youth leadership, theme alignment, equity, accessibility, impact, and project clarity.

5. Can projects focus on underserved communities?
Yes, equity and inclusion are central. Projects that provide access to underrepresented youth are strongly encouraged.

6. Do young people need to be in charge of every stage of the project?
Yes, youth must lead the full cycle: ideation, planning, delivery, and evaluation.

7. Are there restrictions on what the funding can be used for?
Funds should support the implementation of the event or activity, including materials, resources, or other relevant costs.

Conclusion

The Ara Taiohi Youth Week Grants empower young people across New Zealand to lead, create, and amplify their voices. By fostering youth leadership, equity, and inclusion, the program ensures Youth Week 2026 celebrates the diverse perspectives, creativity, and impact of young people in communities nationwide.

For more information, visit Ara Taiohi.