Youth funding enterprise lets businesses be force for good

Media Release
10 July 2013
New youth funding enterprise enables businesses to be force for good

Musician Tiki Taane is speaking at a Stand up for YOUTH dinner event in Christchurch on Wednesday, July 10.

The event promotes Y for YOUTH, a new non-profit social enterprise dedicated to working with the corporate sector to create a fresh funding model for youth organisations.

Youth social statistics such as unemployment, bullying and suicide are increasing while funding for youth organisations continues to decline, forcing organisations to the brink of closure.

Y for YOUTH Co-Founder Alex Greig says many of the country’s 6000 youth organisations operate in “survival mode” using traditional funding sources, mainly due to a decline in Government funding and a public sector stung by a double-dip recession.

“We’re committed to create a sustainable funding platform for the youth sector, to ensure these vital organisations continue to operate,” Greig says.

Y for YOUTH has developed a model that sees businesses contribute a percentage of their profits to Y for YOUTH (100% of which goes to youth organisations). In return companies can display the Y for YOUTH trademark on their products. Consumers can then choose to support these companies, similar to the Fair Trade or Heart Foundation tick models.

Greig explains: “Increasingly consumers want to buy from community-minded companies, and our system allows them to do this. It’s good for a company’s brand and sales and it ultimately benefits youth.”

Taane is one of Y for YOUTH’S first Founding Angels pledging $5000 of start-up funding. Founder of Cookie Time Ltd, Michael Mayell, is also a Founding Angel and attending the Christchurch event.

Y for YOUTH is aiming to attract 100 Founding Angels as it looks to become financially sustainable.

Attached is the flier for the event in Christchurch. Y for YOUTH Co-Founder Alex Greig is in Christchurch this week, and is available for interview.

ENDS

Website
www.yforyouth.org

More Event Information
www.standupforyouthchristchurch.eventbrite.co.nz

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