The Youth Grants Trust (formerly Johnsonville Youth Grants Trust) was established in 1987. It has supported young people living in the Northern Suburbs of Wellington across a range of disciplines including:
⦁ The Arts
⦁ Social wellbeing
The Trust places emphasis on encouraging personal responsibility along with community involvement. Particular regard is given towards youth that reach out to assist their fellow students along with targeted support to at risk youth during their education journey,
When the Trust was established in 1987 there was an initial grant made when the Founder of the Independent Herald sold to a National Chain. Although over the years local business interests have provided some funding the key funder through the years has been the Autostop Group along with its two Johnsonville business operations, Autostop Motors and Property Logic. These companies are the business interests of the Kirk-Burnnand Family.
Since its establishment in 1987 through to March 2024 the Trust has awarded $981456 to over 571 individuals and organisations.
“I would like to say a huge thanks to the Trust for your generous support. I have gained so much, not only a wealth of knowledge but also a greater independence and confidence that will aid me going forth to university and the years beyond. It has truly changed my world perspective and given me a focus for my future that I would never have gained otherwise for which I am eternally grateful. My sincere thanks.”
“I would like to express my sincere thanks and eternal gratitude to your organisation for your generous support of my participation in The Global Development Tour. It was such an in creditable experience that I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to fully articulate all that which I have gained from it, personal growth, knowledge, and an inspiration for my career ahead. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
“I am writing to you regarding the grant that I was awarded last year in August. The grant of $1000 that you generously gave me covered some of my costs for attending the Victorian Age Championships in Melbourne, Australia. The grants also covered a new pair of racing togs and goggles which I used in competition at the Championships. I am now training for the National Short Course swimming Championships in Auckland later this year where I hope to place top three in the 100 metre and 200 metre butterfly.”
Currently Trustees are selecting individuals and organisations to partner with so that we can achieve the targeted support that will allow us to bring direct social assistance and achievement for youth in our community. We have a strong focus on disabilities and deprivation.
Our Trustees seek out and make selections and where we can see proven outcomes we look to maintain support for three years and then review the partnership.
They range from about $1000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for organisations.
For the last few years, the grant total has been about $75,000
The Youth Grants Trust was established with the intention of putting back funds into our community in a focused and targeted fashion. Our business investments are within the community, and we believe in supporting those that have supported our business interests for many years.
Currently all funding is through Property Logic Ltd, Autostop Motors Ltd and the Kirk-Burnnand Family.
Since the trust started in 1987 there have been grants totalling $981456 which has gone to over 571 local youth and organisations.
Our focus has been mainly upon the Northern suburbs of Wellington, Ngaio to Porirua
⦁ Youth rowing support for overseas competition
⦁ Rainbow youth through Burnett Foundation
⦁ Porirua deprived youth through partnership
⦁ Pauatahanui Pest control
⦁ Wesley foundation youth learning
⦁ Aotea College learning support
⦁ Awhina Foundation learning support
⦁ Porirua Youth Awards achievement recognition (Nikau support)
⦁ Life Education Trust NZ youth learning
⦁ Raroa Intermediate youth support
⦁ Rotary Goalsetter recognition award
⦁ Scots Foundation youth support
⦁ The Whitireia Foundation scholarship
⦁ Give a Little health support
Chris has lived and worked in the Johnsonville-Porirua area since 1955. He currently lives in Porirua and is married to Helen and they have three grown children, Niki, Shelley and Mark. Chris has always had an interest in our community and has been involved as a Trustee on the Whitireia Foundation and Life Education Trust North Wellington. He is currently a Councillor on the Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Helen has lived in the Johnsonville and Porirua areas since 1970 with husband Chris. As a trained nurse, Helen’s interests have centred on the family and raising their three children. Helen has been active within the community, and her involvement from the start has been instrumental in ensuring the longevity and ongoing financial commitment to recipients of the Youth Grants Trust.
Jess has been a trustee since 2011 and enjoys supporting motivated youth and participating within the community. She works in Human Resources, and lives locally with her husband, Mark, and their three young children. Jess enjoys travel, exercise and spending time with friends and family.
Victoria lives locally with her partner and two young daughters. She studied at Otago University and has a Bachelor of Social and Community work, and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Anthropology. Victoria has worked in a range of roles, all with a focus in supporting young people and their families, and is passionate about young people reaching their goals. She likes to spend her weekends with family exploring the outdoors.
Niki lives in our community and has been working in various social services within our region. A Parent with a child at a local school and very keen to support educational assistance to those that are deprived through no fault of their own. A strong belief in family and a commitment to supporting those that have had a rough journey in life.