Be the Change is a resource distilled from the kōrero that we have heard from across the community and funding sectors over the last two years and more. It centres the stories and experiences of the Dunedin community and offers the ‘how to’ of funding for change and equity.

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The top 10 (+5) What a funding sector focused on equity might look like 

1. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is embedded in strategy, policy and practice 

2. Strong relationships with mana whenua are prioritised 

3. Relationships are sustained with diverse local communities

 4. Communities participate in local strategic planning and decision-making, and there is a clear, agreed understanding of communities’ priorities 

5. Governance and staffing teams look like the communities they serve 

6. Funding organisations demonstrate strong cultural competency 

7. Community advisors come from their communities, are steeped in best practice, and know how to have relationships

 8. An equity lens is applied to funding, decisions and planning

 9. Funding and reporting systems are co-designed with local communities, prioritising equity, accessibility and ease of use

 10. Story-telling and lived experience are centred in decision-making and reporting 

11. Cross-sector networks and relationships are invested in 

12. There is increased access to multi-year funding, funding for people, general operational funding and full funding 

13. Quick, trust-based funding is readily available for grassroots responses to Covid-19 and other emergencies, particularly those led by Māori and Pasifika communities 

14. Capacity and capability building for grassroots community groups are well-resourced 

15. Navigator roles, shared fundraising resources and pooled or collaborative funding are all possible