An Otago Community Trust (OCT) fund which offers grants of up to $5,000 for youth-focused activities has opened for applications for 2025.

The Rangatahi-Led Fund for Central Otago is part of OCT’s Tamariki & Rangatahi Strategy, which provides grants for youth-led projects that benefit young people.

“Rangatahi leaders from each region are driving this fund, setting the purpose and criteria that matter most to young people,” an OCT representative said.

“Working alongside the Otago Community Trust, they'll help bring youth-led initiatives to life through grants administered by eligible organisations.”

The fund, now in its third year, has supported projects from youth networking spaces to all-ages events and gatherings for queer and gender diverse rangatahi.

One of its previous recipients was the Upper Clutha Youth Council, which received funding for the development of a mural at the Kahu Youth space at Paetara Aspiring Central.

Read more: ‘Mural to bring Kahu Youth space to life'

The fund has been split into four areas across Otago with local rangatahi selecting projects for their area.

For the Central Otago fund, applicants must be 25 or younger and live in Central Otago or Queenstown Lakes.

Aside from this, the criteria is broad, aiming to support projects which show passion for the community, are accessible to the community, and have the potential for long-term benefit.

Applications for the Rangatahi-Led Fund will close on April 30.

OCT said whānau and other adults are welcome to support rangatahi with their applications as long as the ideas come from them.

Find more information about criteria and make an application here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App