Otago Community Trust was pleased to announce the first recipients of its Rangatahi-Led Fund. The Ōtepoti Dunedin Rangatahi-Led Fund opened in early June with the criteria to fund projects and events that were run by rangatahi; help rangatahi connect; promote diversity and provide new, creative ideas for youth engagement. This is the first of four rangatahi-led funds launched by Otago Community Trust as part of its commitment in 2022 to fund rangatahi (young people) development activities under its tamariki and rangatahi strategy.

At the helm of the Ōtepoti Dunedin Rangatahi-Led Fund have been seven Dunedin rangatahi who have evaluated, assessed, and taken the lead on the funding decisions with guidance and support from Otago Community Trust.

Otago Community Trust community engagement advisor Liz Harburg, highlights that group members have been excited to be a part of the new fund, grow their leadership abilities and gain insight into the philanthropic sector.

“The rangatahi-led funds focus on empowering rangatahi to actively engage in the funding process, and to guide our funding decisions to enable the best impact for young people in their community.”

In total ten applications were received and a shortlist of 8 youth-led initiatives will receive grants totalling $25,000.

Otago Community Trust chairman Andy Kilsby said the Dunedin Rangatahi Led Fund grants exemplify Otago Community Trust's commitment to supporting youth-driven initiatives that enrich and strengthen the community. The trust remains dedicated to fostering the potential of young leaders and is exciting to see the first of our youth-led initiatives approved.

“These grants aim to empower young individuals and provide them with the resources they need to bring their ideas to life."

The following projects received funding: 

• Passion, Pitch, Enrich; 
• Hold on to Your Friends; 
• Rangatahi Events at Yours; 
• Dunedin Pride Youth Ball; 
• Wheako Fair; 
• Multicultural Intelligence Development; 
• Youth Networking and Dialogue Session; 
• TANK – Trans and nonbinary kids.