Shifting power and wealth back to communities

Youth in Philanthropy Aotearoa (YIP) is a network of under-35s connected to the philanthropic funding space in Aotearoa, working to shift power and wealth back to communities.

When young people are connected, empowered, and thriving, they can play a key role in reimagining and improving Aotearoa’s funding system. We help young people build skills and experience and challenge the mindsets of organisations that have yet to recognise the value of youth leadership.

Join us

Our vision

Values-led philanthropy, shaped by young people, for an Aotearoa where communities hold power.

Our mission

Supporting young people across the philanthropic sector to thrive and challenge the status quo.

Our whakapapa

2016

Youth in Philanthropy began, sparked by the recognition that young people deserved a seat at the table. At the time, we were known as Philanthropy New Zealand’s Youth Advisory Group.

2019

We evolved into an independent, member-led organisation, driven by and for young people, with a new name: Youth in Philanthropy Aotearoa.

2023

We amplified our voice as we launched our podcast, The Price of Purpose.

We hosted a sector-first youth-led philanthropy retreat, creating space for connection, reflection, and bold conversations.

2024

We strengthened our foundation by bringing on paid roles and expanding our Executive team - increasing our capacity, deepening our impact, and ensuring our mahi is more sustainable, strategic, and youth-led than ever.

The future

Our ultimate goal is a funding sector that empowers communities, redistributing wealth and power where it belongs.

Over the next few years, we’re focused on expanding our impact, growing our community, and creating new pathways for young people to lead change in philanthropy.

We’re building a future where philanthropy works for everyone.

Our supporters

Meet our executive

Jackson Lacy
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 Vaioleti
Co-Chair

Lotima is the Community & Māori Liaison Advisor - Kaitakawaenga for BayTrust. He is a member of Te Kāhui Pūmanawa, Pasifika Funders Network, and serves on the Philanthropy New Zealand Board.

Tane Phillips

Tane 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.

Piper Robson

Piper is the Communications Coordinator at Foundation North in Tāmaki Makaurau, and provides comms support to their social enterprise, The Centre for Social Impact. Piper serves both YIP and Philanthropy New Zealand by sitting as a Board Observer on their Board.

Helen Anderson

Helen has 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, alongside some contracting and governance roles.

Meet our kaimahi

Chantelle Cobby
Operations & Comms Lead

Chantelle brings 5 years of experience in project, communications, fundraising, and events management across the non-profit sector, plus a passion for community-building. She's looking forward to growing YIP's network and impact.

Oli Malthus
Relationships & Projects Lead

With a background in philanthropy and communications, including at the Borrin Foundation and as an executive member of YIP, Oli is passionate about creating opportunities for young people in the sector. He's focused on growing YIP's membership, strengthening connections, and ensuring under-35s in philanthropy have the networks and support to thrive.

Page updated

Report abuse