Supporting the health and wellbeing of Pasifika youth in South Auckland
Funding opportunities for initiatives that drive positive impact on Pasifika young people in South Auckland with a focus on health and wellbeing.
About the Grant
What it is
Empowering our Youth by creating funding opportunities for our communities to support Pasifika young people in South Auckland so they can live healthier and happier lives. These efforts focus on improving their health and wellbeing in ways that support and strengthen their communities.
Purpose
The funding is to help create programmes that support Pasifika young people in South Auckland. It will focus on improving their health and wellbeing so they can live better, happier lives.
Who it's for
Communities, organisations, individuals supporting youth (12yr – 24yr) in South Auckland.
Funding Available
Up to $20,000 per project
Key Dates
- Applications Open: 15th October 2025
- Applications Close: 9th November 2025
- Assessment Period: 10th – 21st November 2025
- Announcement of Results: 1st December 2025
How to Apply
View the step-by-step process below:
Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply, check out the Eligibility Criteria to see if your project qualifies.
Resources available
You can access all downloadable resources by clicking here.
Apply for funding
Once you’ve read the Eligibility Criteria and confirm that you meet all the requirements, you can apply for funding here
FAQ
Who can apply for this funding?
You can apply if you are:
- A organisation/community group (charity, not-for-profit, or voluntary).
- A group or individual without a formal legal structure.
- A registered or unregistered group.
- All projects must have charitable intent.
Who cannot apply?
Applications will not be accepted from:
- Businesses that make profit.
- Government agencies (local or national).
- Projects that are already funded.
What types of projects will be funded?
Funding will support projects that:
- Are based in South Auckland.
- Help and support Pasifika youth.
- Focus on improving health and wellbeing.
What will not be funded?
Funding cannot be used for:
- Projects outside of South Auckland.
- Anything that makes profit.
- Paying off debts.
- Overseas travel or accommodation.
- Staff wages, building costs, or general running costs.
- Academic research or school/uni-based programmes.
- Projects already receiving funding.
How much funding can I apply for?
The maximum you can apply for is $20,000 (NZD) including GST.
Do I need to provide references?
Yes, you must provide two Letters of support to back your project. These should come from trusted sources like community groups, schools, health providers, or local leaders.
What supporting documents do I need to include?
You must include:
- A detailed project plan explaining how you will coordinate, deliver, and manage the programme.
- A budget breakdown showing how the funds will be used (with quotations if available).
What are the key project requirements?
Your project must:
- Involve Pasifika young people in South Auckland.
- Clearly show how it will address youth health and wellbeing.
- Take place within South Auckland communities.
What if I know someone on the ManaVā panel?
You must be upfront and declare this to avoid any conflicts of interest.
When will I know if my application is successful?
Applicants will be contacted after the assessment process is completed. (Exact timeframes may vary depending on the number of applications received.)
Can I apply if I have received funding before?
Yes, but you must declare when you last received funding, from where, and for what project. Priority may be given to projects that have not previously received funding.
Can I apply more than once?
No
How should I show the budget?
Budgets must:
- Be clear and itemised (e.g., equipment, venue hire, catering, resources).
- Show all costs in NZD including GST.
- Include quotations or estimates where possible.
How will applications be assessed?
Applications will be assessed on:
- Alignment with Pasifika youth health and wellbeing outcomes.
- The strength of the project plan.
- The clarity and feasibility of the budget.
- Community impact and reach.
How many young people need to be involved?
There is no minimum number, but you must clearly outline:
- Where the young people are from (suburbs).
- How many young people will participate from each area.
- How the project will benefit them.
When will I know if my application is successful?
Applicants will be contacted after the panel has reviewed all applications. Exact timeframes may vary depending on the number of applications received, but applicants will be updated throughout the process.
Which areas in South Auckland are eligible?
Eligible suburbs and communities include (but are not limited to):
- Māngere
- Manukau
- Manurewa
- Ōtāhuhu
- Ōtara
- Papakura
- Papatoetoe
Projects may also include surrounding areas within the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Manurewa, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, and Papakura local board boundaries, as well as parts of Franklin such as Pukekohe, Ramarama, and Waiuku.
Who can I contact for help?
Do Good Feel Good: Empowering Pasifika Youth Through Participatory Grant-Making
Do Good Feel Good, a The Cause Collective initiative, is proud to collaborate with Foundation North to launch a values and mana based Pasifika Participatory Grant-making initiative in South Auckland.
Led by a panel of young Pasifika leaders, this initiative shifts funding power back to the community – enabling youth to co-create a funding model that reflects the aspirations of Pacific young people, their families, and communities.
Through this initiative, this panel of young leaders:
- Developed the funding strategy and criteria,
- Are leading the decision-making process of the grants,
- Managing the monitoring and reporting processes of each of the successful projects.
This partnership builds on the success of the Pacific Youth Future Makers Fund, while giving the panel full autonomy to shape and refine the model. By placing Pasifika youth at the heart of decision-making, the initiative fosters inclusion, representation, and meaningful change across South Auckland.
