Generation Give

We are pleased to announce that for the third year running, we will be offering the Generation Give Programme in 2023.

Applications are now closed.

Generation Give is a free extracurricular course for High School students which helps grow the capability of young leaders with a particular passion for the not-for-profit sector/purpose. 
 
The programme teaches key skills to students from years 11 – 13 about philanthropy and the not-for-profit/ purpose-lead sector. It is free to participate and has a twenty-week curriculum, after school.  
 
Since its inception, 46 students have fundraised and distributed $25,048 to 9 charities across greater Christchurch. 
 
Generation Give was originally founded by Youth Philanthropy NZ (YPNZ) in the belief that young people should have a chance to make a difference in their community. They do this by forming a “board” and are taught governance, marketing, fundraising, and other essential skills for running a not-for-profit organisation.   
 
The students are exposed to CEOs philanthropists and other leaders who are guest speakers during the sessions. We are thrilled to share with you that the newly appointed Ambassador for this programme is Sam Johnson, founder of the Student Volunteer Army, and the New Zealander of the Year in 2013. Students will get to meet Sam, along with many other inspirational leaders and be mentored by them. 
 
Up to thirty students from year 11 – year 13 will be selected to participate. 
   
The project goals are:  
- To promote positive youth development by engaging young people in meaningful activities that build their skills and experience. 
- Help our communities view young people in a positive light.  
- Develop skills for the students such as public speaking, critical thinking, and decision-making.  
- Foster interest in supporting non-profits in the future; generates a philanthropic nature.  
- Build student confidence – knowing they can make an impact.  
- Grow the pool of young leaders in greater Ōtautahi Christchurch who can step up into not-for-profit governance roles. 
  
A particular highlight of the programme is that students actively fundraise. Their learning culminates when – as a board – they determine which charities receive the funds they have raised. This decision is made after learning exactly how proper governance should operate.   
 
The programme culminates in the group running a distribution event when they hand over the funds that they have raised to the charities they have chosen. Family members, panellists and our corporate partners all attend this event which is run by the students. 
 
While still in its infancy we have had incredible feedback from students and their parents about the impact that this programme has had.  Several of the participants have changed their planned University study to have a greater emphasis on purpose.  Many of the younger participants have gone into leadership roles at their schools.   

We have also had excellent feedback from the panelists.  The Hon. Lianne Dalziel called it the most inspirational programme that she has been personally involved with. 

Please send any questions to hannah@christchurchfoundation.org.nz.