Young people designed the form, set the criteria and will decide the first round of small grants themselves.
Most grant panels are made up of adults. This one is not. Twelve members of the Teen Council spent the summer working out what a good youth project looks like, and how to make applying less daunting.
The result is a one-page form that can also be sent as a short video. Groups led by people under 21 can ask for up to $500 for anything that improves their neighbourhood, and so far 27 ideas have come in.
“Adults ask what young people need,” said Amara, 16, who chairs the panel. “We wanted to skip that bit and just decide.” The first grants will be announced next month.