A new Otago Community Trust (OCT) fund which offers grants of up to $5,000 for youth-focused activities has opened for applications.

Nine young people have spent several weeks brainstorming the purpose of the Central Otago Rangatahi/Youth Led Fund and its criteria, and they will take the lead on final recipients.

“We want to fund projects that support the development of exciting experiences and creative ideas, are long lasting, promote cultural diversity and most importantly for youth by youth,” OCT community engagement advisor Liz Harburg said.

Sixteen-year-old Chloe Murray is one of the rangatahi who has helped develop the fund.

“I am so excited to be a part of the rangatahi-led fund. Having such a big responsibility allows us to make sure we fund the initiatives that we know will have the biggest impact on our community,” she said.

“I think it’s really important for youth to have access to funds like these so that their passions, plans and ideas can be supported and nurtured.”

The Central Otago Rangatahi/Youth Led Fund is open to anyone under 25 years old living within the Central Otago District Council area and the Wānaka ward of the Queenstown Lakes district.

OCT chair Andy Kilsby said enabling and trusting youth in the district to deliver projects empowers young people to make a real difference in their local communities.

The fund is part of a suite of new funds under the OCT Tamariki and Rangatahi Strategy, launched in March 2022. 4

Under the strategy $10M was ringfenced to support projects and initiatives that align with the strategy, including up to $100,000 per year being made available for youth-led projects.

The fund is available across all of Otago in 2023, with Waitaki and Dunedin the first funds to launch, followed by South Otago and now Central Otago.

Applications for the Central Otago Rangatahi/Youth Led Fund are open until October 8.

Visit the OCT website for more information and how to apply.

PHOTO: Supplied