Three local organisations focused on youngsters are amongst the first 14 groups to benefit from Otago Community Trust’s (OCT) new Tamariki & Rangatahi Capability Fund.

Sticks ‘n’ Stones was granted $10,000, Journeys Charitable Trust $2,255 and Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust $1,083 in October.

The Tamariki & Rangatahi Capability Fund is a part of OCT’s funding suite to support its new dedicated Tamariki and Rangatahi Strategy. 

OCT chief executive Barbara Bridger said the fund is designed to strengthen the children and young people sector, providing additional funding to organisations to specifically invest in capability development. 

 “When we talk about capability development, we are referring to investment in a range of areas which can include professional development, policy reviews, strategic planning activities, enhancing evaluation frameworks and in some instances cultural capability development.”

OCT community engagement advisor Liz Harburg, who is responsible for overseeing the new fund, said the successful applicants are all passionate about building the skills and abilities of youth focused organisations in Otago but many face challenges at a governance level, like succession and long-term strategic planning.

“Excitingly, some applications were focused on enhancing the skills of young people to allow them to play a greater [leadership and governance] role within their community organisation.”

A total of 15 applicants applied to the newly established contestable fund and 14 applicants received funding. One application was withdrawn as it did not fit the fund criteria, said Liz. 

Co founder of Journeys and physiotherapist Megan Longman said due to the growth and evolution of Journeys the $2,255 capability fund grant was ideal timing.

Megan Longman told the Central App previously her was role was “incredibly rewarding”

"Due to the growth and evolution of Journeys we are now preparing to review and redevelop our strategic plan to ensure it is relevant for the next three to five years.

“Having the ability to work with an external facilitator for this process will both grow our own governance capability and ensure our strategic plan to guide the coming years' operations will be high quality and fit for purpose. This will enhance our long-term sustainability and enable Journeys to best support the evolving needs of girls and women in Central Otago."

 What started off as a pilot focussed on mountain biking and on-foot adventures has grown to involve a co-design approach to meet the needs of local young women, with 20 female instructors keeping things going at Journeys.

In total OCT approved $104,498 in the first Tamariki and Rangatahi Capability Fund funding round, which in response to feedback from the sector, were approved quicker than normal. 

Liz said applications closed at the end of September and were decided on at the OCT’s October board meeting.

“We hope that by having this quicker turnaround, we can better support organisations to plan and budget for their 2023 activities.”