Youth Fund Dunedin is a new organisation gone "live" in
Dunedin last week, and is receiving applications for funding
to enable youth ideas to happen.
Youth Fund has been several years in the planning and
processing stages, to develop a solid organisational
framework, which can receive applications for funds from
those normally not eligible to apply to other funding bodies
- young people!
They are keen to receive applications from young people under
24 years old, who are enthusiastic about providing any youth
initiated, youth driven activities with benefit to the
Dunedin community. Youth Funds - sometimes called "Youth
Banks" in other areas - have in the past funded activities
such as events, concerts, recreation facilities, youth-driven
business ventures or community services. "Basically if you
are under 24, live in the Dunedin City boundaries, and are
passionate about an idea or project which will benefit
others, then we want to hear from you" their new website
says.
The committee of people who have been bringing the concept
from feasibility study to "Live", anticipate that projects
will be requesting funds less than $2000, and already have
some funds waiting to be distributed.
Once an application has been successful, a mentor is
allocated to the people receiving the grant - either of their
own choosing or from the Fund Board... and then the fun part
begins - making the event happen, on time, in budget, and
successfully. As their promo says :You can't have a FUND
without FUN!"
All aspects of the process and the organisation are youth
empowering - and the group who call themselves "Youth Fund
Dunedin" are an Incorporated Society, capable of sustaining
the initiative. The challenge will be to keep refilling the
coffers as grants are made, but other Funds and Youth Banks
have found that the success of the events created has been
attractive to philanthropic funders as a means to educate,
empower and develop a more resilient community.
Youth Fund Dunedin is keen that the Ideas and enthusiasm of
their applicants not be "held up" by a lengthy decision
making process, so are encouraging applications at anytime,
with an aim to be able to make a decision within 2 weeks.
Since this is the first "round of funding" they are meeting
on 15 February to make decisions on whatever projects have
come by then.
Good ideas and social networking are easily in the hands of
people under 24, so all the information and applications are
available online. The interview process will be in a youth
friendly format - however the applicant wants to present
their case.
The Youth Fund Dunedin board are looking forward to seeing
the positive impact on Dunedin that funded and supported
young people will bring to our community, and to encouraging
other youth to not just apply for grants, but also to get
involved in the organisational side of the Fund.
Check out the website www.youthfunddunedin.co.nz
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