Are you a young person with a great idea? Porirua City Council has Making It Happen grants available to help bring these bright ideas to life.

The grants are available as part of the city’s Young People Fund, launched earlier this year.

Porirua Mayor Mike Tana says one of the best things about the Making It Happen grants is that young people can make applications themselves, and the process is really easy.

“If you’ve got something you want to make happen for you, or your community, then check out our website and give it a go – the application form has all the details, and it’s a nice, simple process,” he says.

“This is all about empowering our tamariki – we even have children and young people as part of the decision-making panel after we get applications. So there’s input from young people throughout.”

The fund aims to support new ideas, activities or projects which build the capabilities of children and young people, aged 0 to 24, or help them address issues relevant to them and their community.

Children and young people can apply directly, as individuals or groups, for grants of up to $500. Community organisations can also apply.

Applications that have recently received funding include:

- Two projects to protect native fish in Kenepuru Stream

- A social enterprise celebrating Pacific Island designs with all profits going to local charities

- A community planting project

- A mountain biking project

Mayor Tana says Making it Happen isn’t just about the money, it’s about supporting young people’s ideas and helping them build confidence and learn new skills in leadership, decision making and problem solving.

Check our website for more info, application forms and criteria.

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