ThinkBIG grants

Kāpiti Coast Youth Council’s ThinkBIG grants are available for taiohi (young people) aged between 13 and 24 who are either:

• leading or facilitating a youth-led community project
• seeking funding for their own personal development goals.

About the grants

In 2024, grants of up to $2,000 were available for projects that support positive change for our local youth, community, or even the world! Funding was also available to help young people pursue their personal development goals. Grants of up to $500 are available for individuals, or up to $2,000 for group applications for development opportunities.

Applications were assessed by Youth Council representatives, with eligible applicants invited to an interview to speak to their application. We announced successful applicants on Monday 29 July, and projects must be completed or up and running by the end of the year.

Timeline 

Grant amount

Grants of up to $2,000 are available for:

• projects intended to benefit the community
• group applications for development opportunities.

Personal development grants for individuals are awarded up to $500.

Grants criteria

This year, there is criteria for both personal development grants, as well as community projects. The following criteria apply to all applications:

• Young people leading the project must be aged between 13-24, and live or attend school in the Kāpiti Coast District (Paekākāriki to Ōtaki).
• The application must include a timeline of when the money will be spent and any relevant key dates.
• There must be a pre-determined a fundholder who can take the grants on your behalf (for example, a school or organisation).
• Projects must be completed or up and running by the end of 2024.

Personal development criteria

Applications for personal development funding must also meet the following criteria:

• The funds must go towards a specific thing that will help the young person’s/people’s personal development (they will learn something, develop their skills, use their talents).
• Members of a group cannot apply individually for something for which there is already a group application.
• The funding cannot be used for tertiary study or class-related activities.

Community project criteria

Applications for community project funding must also meet the following criteria:

• Your project needs to have a positive impact, or aim to make a change in your school, community, Aotearoa New Zealand, or the world.
• Young people leading the project must live or attend school in the Kāpiti Coast District (Paekākāriki to Ōtaki).
• You can’t keep money made from running the project.
• Projects must not be religious or political in their purpose or content.
• You should be willing to report back to the Youth Council about how your project went.

Note: We welcome adult help with community projects if needed.

How to apply

Applications for funding opened Wednesday 24 April, and closed 11.59pm, Sunday 19 May 2024. Applications received after the closing date can not be considered.

Electronic applications are preferred, but hard copies will also be accepted.

• ThinkBIG online form
• ThinkBIG printable form.

For more information, email [email protected].

Recipients 2024

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