YIP exists to radically reimagine Aotearoa’s philanthropic systems in order to shift power and wealth back into communities. We are a safe and bold space for under 35s in philanthropy to land and thrive.
Ko wai tātou?
We are young people (under-35’s) working in, and adjacent to, the philanthropic sector. We are ready to radically reimagine Aotearoa’s philanthropic systems in order to shift power and wealth back into communities. We are a whānau, who back one another to shape the future whilst looking after one another in the now. We are tangata whenua & tauiwi striving to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We are relational, vulnerable, disruptive, unapologetic, intergenerational thinkers and perpetual learners. We are Youth in Philanthropy.
More about us
We used to be Philanthropy New Zealand's Youth Advisory Group before reforming as Youth in Philanthropy in 2023. We still have a strong relationship with Philanthropy New Zealand, but we're an independent group. Our funds sit in two places - Philanthropy New Zealand and The Gift Collective. Our funding at the moment comes from the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust, Clare Foundation and Todd Foundation.
Our Mahi
News & Reviews
Episode five of the Price of Purpose podcast "Dreaming of the Future of Philanthropy" was released in August 2024. Lani Evans, former Head of the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation did a pre-listen and review for us:
"If you're a philanthropy nerd like me, then I highly recommend listening to episode 5 of "The Price of Purpose". The conversation tackles some big questions for the sector. Can philanthropy be progressive and work radically with community? Can it exist without entrenching existing inequality? Can the tensions between te Ao Māori and the structures of philanthropy be resolved?
My favourite part though, is imagining possible futures, and discussing how we get there. Because aspiration is one thing, but what we really need is action. Great kōrero from young (and youth adjacent) experts and an absolute delight.”
Episode four of the Price of Purpose podcast "Young Decision-makers" was released in June 2024. Yvonnne Trask, the Development and Engagement Lead at the Gift Trust did a pre-listen and review for us:
"Many of us in philanthropy know that youth representation is important in both governance and staff roles. I know I did. But this podcast brought so much more to the conversation than I had expected.
Speakers Levi Walford and Leole Malama Prasad join Gemma Slack in this truly inspiring look at the challenges youth face in making their way into the sector and then in managing the layers of complexity, and social and cultural differences they encounter in maintaining a role in it.
A ‘must-listen’ for anyone working alongside youth or considering doing so, I can’t recommend this podcast enough. There are so many issues Levi and Leole have addressed here that stem not just from their youth but also from their cultural heritage. The cultural implications of being both young and Māori or Pasifika bring an additional layer of challenges for them to juggle. I won’t give you any spoilers but you’ll hear some powerful messages that were light bulb moments to me.
Join me and my glowing filament and listen now!"
Our Leadership Team
Jackson LacyOur Co-Chair Jackson is the Operations Coordinator for The Gift Trust, running and improving the systems that help them make good happen. His professional background is in graphic design, local government, and for-purpose governance.
Lotima VaioletiOur Co-Chair Lotima is the Community & Māori Liaison Advisor – Kaitakawaenga for BayTrust. He is a member of Te Kāhui Pūmanwa, Pasifika Funders Network, and serves on the Philanthropy New Zealand board.
Helen AndersonHelen is the current YIP Activator, she's been in the philanthropic sector since 2017. She's worked at J R McKenzie Trust, Te Rourou One NZ Foundation and is now a Relationships and Programmes Lead at the Todd Foundation. She also sits on the Frozen Funds board.
Oli MalthusOli is the Scholarships and Engagement Associate at the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation. In this role he runs the individual funding programme and provides support through his social media, website, and other communications related responsibilities.
Tane PhillipsTane is the Funding and Systems Administrator for TECT Community Trust, where he improves and maintains internal systems and assists in processing and assessing applications for TECT’s responsive funds. “I joined YIP to find and support new young people in the sector, to ensure that they have a safe space and can channel their energy into positive change that will benefit future generations.”