29 councils share Youth Development funding

  • Nikki Kaye
Youth Affairs

Youth Affairs Minister Nikki Kaye has today announced that 29 local authorities will benefit from this year’s Youth Development Partnership Fund totalling $889,000.

“These councils, from throughout New Zealand, are working with young people to develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to participate and be part of their communities,” Ms Kaye says.

“This fund enables councils to be innovative and inclusive in the ways they work with young people in their community and bring their voice and influence to local decision-making.

“It offers one-off assistance to territorial authorities for projects that support young people aged 12 to 24.

“Funding this year ranges from $10,000 to $51,000 per project. The money enables central and local government - along with the community - to invest in young people leading and delivering youth focused projects.

“With last year’s $50,000 funding for example, Dunedin City Council’s Student Community Involvement Programme engaged 225 young people in volunteering activities for 54 community projects. These included fund raising for St John’s Ambulance Service and Dog Rescue Dunedin via bake sales and sewing soft toys to donate to children at the Te Whara Pounamu Dunedin Woman’s Refuge.” 

Since the launch of the Youth Development Partnership Fund in 2005, 57 councils have received funding. Examples of projects funded include:

  • Youth councils undertaking community wide surveys that contribute to Council Action Plans
  • Young people leading and participating in volunteering activities
  • Young people developing skills and implementing projects and events in their communities for others.

Information on councils receiving funding can be found on the Ministry of Youth Development’s website www.myd.govt.nz/funding

Frequently asked questions

What is the Youth Development Partnership Fund?

The Youth Development Partnership Fund provides one-off partial funding assistance to Territorial Authorities for projects that support young people aged 12 to 24, to develop skills, knowledge, and experience to participate confidently in their communities.

How long has the Youth Development Partnership Fund been available?

The Youth Development Partnership Fund was established in 2005 and is an annual fund of $889,000.

As at 30 June 2012, 57 Territorial Authorities had been funded to deliver projects supporting young people. Examples of projects funded include initiatives to:

  • facilitate young people’s active contribution to decision-making and develop young people’s leadership skills
  • enable young people to implement projects and events in their communities.

How much funding is available?

There is a total budget of $889,000 for allocation.

How were funding decisions made?

All submitted applications were assessed by a selection panel against:

  • alignment to the funding criteria
  • effective youth development practices
  • the project’s practicality, viability, value and benefits.

The selection panel also considered additional factors including:

  • if a Territorial Authority’s proposed project was previously funded from the Youth Development Partnership Fund
  • fit with government priorities
  • value for money
  • availability of funding.

How were funding amounts decided?

For the 2013/14 Youth Development Partnership Fund 29 Territorial Authorities were successful in receiving funding. The minimum amount awarded was $10,000 (GST exclusive) and the maximum amount was $51,000 (GST exclusive).

What types of projects are receiving funding?

Projects receiving funding include those that:

  • assist young people to establish local connections, improve confidence, develop and practice leadership skills, allowing them to positively contribute and influence their community; and/or
  • assist young people to showcase themselves and their peers, through youth run events, activities and initiatives.

What outcomes will projects achieve?

Territorial Authorities will be required to report on the following expected outcomes:

  • young people having the skills to influence/make decisions
  • young people participating in decision making opportunities at a local and national level
  • young people participating in leadership roles
  • young people leading community events and activities
  • young people participating in voluntary activity.