Apply now for the Youth Council’s $600ships!

Published on 18 May 2022

Youth project

Please note: The closing date for applications has been amended to midnight on Wednesday, 8 June 2022.

Twelve to 24-year-olds who have exciting projects, events, personal goals or ideas that could use some funding can apply now for the Youth Council's $600ships.

The $600 scholarship programme is one way the Whanganui District Council Youth Council supports Whanganui rangatahi to help reach their potential in an area of interest or personal development. This year the $600ships are targeted at three areas – environment and sustainability, diversity and culture, and youth development.

Youth Council project support officer Stacy White says the Youth Council would love to hear from young people who want to build on their own leadership and experience within the community and/or support the development of a project that will benefit the community.

“It may also include support to attend conferences, programmes or training for personal development, such as climate change, leadership, social innovation, wellness, arts and culture, and media or even run an event or programme in response to community interest and need,” says Stacy White.

“We welcome all $600ship applications that align with the themes and criteria that the Youth Council has set for 2022. We’re excited to hear from young people connecting with each other and having a voice in local matters and initiatives that focus on positive rangatahi empowerment, leadership, inclusiveness, culture, diversity, and education.”

The $600ship funding scheme was conceptualised and established by the Youth Committee in 2010 as a way for the committee to actively support young people throughout the Whanganui district. Initially, grants of $300 were made but these were increased to $600 in 2013.

Since 2014 more than 50 young people have used the funding for a variety of initiatives, including social enterprise (entrepreneurship) opportunities, leadership training, representing Whanganui Internationally in high-performance sports, Kapa Haka competitions, personal development programmes and rangatahi focused projects.

To be eligible for the funding, applicants must live or attend school in the Whanganui district and include a letter of support from their school principal, teacher, tutor, mentor, community leader or employer, along with their application. 

Applicants must also demonstrate that the funding will be used for the benefit of rangatahi in the Whanganui district and fall under one of this year’s three funding priorities.

Applications close next Wednesday, 25 May 2022.

Find out more about application criteria and apply