Todd Foundation launches $1m fund for Christchurch children and youth

The Todd Foundation has today launched a $1 million funding initiative which will provide significant financial support to a major project for children and youth in Christchurch.

The initiative, which is named ‘Our Christchurch: A project for Christchurch’s children and youth – today and tomorrow’ is looking for a long-lasting project that will be a celebration of what is possible in the new Christchurch and will benefit children and youth as the city continues to rebuild and grow.

“We understand that as Christchurch moves forward after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes the needs of Cantabrians are difficult and on-going,” says Kate Frykberg, Executive Director of the Todd Foundation. “We have spent time carrying out consultations in the region and we can see that support to create a ‘new normal and a new future’ is vital for the community.”

The Todd Foundation, a private family philanthropic foundation based in Wellington, is inviting applications as the first step towards identifying the best possible project to receive the funding. Christchurch youth will be deeply involved in the selection process and the Foundation is currently working with Youth Voice Canterbury to recruit a panel to sit alongside trustees.

“We have no preconceived ideas about what this project may look like. It could be a new facility, it could be a long-term programme or it could be something exciting and innovative that we haven’t thought of yet,” adds Kate. “What we do know is that it will be a positive and forward-thinking contribution to the future of Christchurch that will benefit children and youth from across the city.”

The Todd Foundation was established in 1972 by the Todd family and provides funding to New Zealand organisations in line with their vision of creating inclusive communities where all families, youth and children can thrive and contribute.

‘Our Christchurch’ is the next step in the Foundation’s support of the city and Canterbury after the earthquakes. In 2010 $100,000 was donated to the Salvation Army to support earthquake recovery and from 2011 to 2013 the Todd Foundation Earthquake Recovery Fund gave $2 million to support community renewal and the recovery of the not-for-profit sector. The Foundation also provides on-going support for Christchurch projects through its nationwide General Fund.

The Todd Foundation will be receiving initial applications for funding through its website http://www.toddfoundation.org.nz/our-christchurch/. The invitation for applications opens on 25 August 2014 and will close on 25 September 2014.

ENDS

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