Canon NZ launches 2024 Grants Program with $20,000 in funds
Canon New Zealand has opened submissions for its 2024 Grants Program, offering $20,000 in funding and product support to various community organisations across the country. The grants will support initiatives within the Education, Community, and Environment categories and introduce a new Cultural category for the first time in the program's history.
The launch coincides with new research from Canon Oceania, which indicates that a lack of access to technology may be preventing New Zealanders from pursuing certain career paths. The survey of 1,000 New Zealanders revealed that half of all respondents, including 68% of Gen Z participants, believe they would have chosen different career options if they had better access to technology at school. Potential career paths impacted include media, design, creative arts, and photojournalism.
A significant portion of the respondents also recognised the broader benefits of equal access to technology, with 52% identifying positive impacts on future career prospects. These findings underscore the importance of initiatives like Canon's Grants Program, which aims to bridge the technology gap and provide more opportunities for individuals to develop valuable skills.
Managing Director for Canon Oceania, Kotaro Fukushima, emphasised the core goal of the 2024 Grants Program as improving access to technology. He stated, "The Canon Oceania Grants Program is guided by our Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good. Putting these values into practice means helping more Kiwis have access to technology to allow them to tell their stories, connect with each other, and develop valuable skills."
The grants program has a history of supporting community organisations effectively. For instance, Pukekohe High School, a previous recipient of the Canon Education Grant, utilised the funding and Canon equipment to enhance local history understanding among students through community art projects. The grant particularly helped express Māori culture and fostered creativity and leadership skills among students. Catherine Tamihere, an art teacher at the school, stated that the grant provided a platform for young people to express themselves and connect more deeply with their culture.
The 2024 Grants Program, now in its 18th year, has historically provided more than 110 community organisations and schools with over NZD $550,000 in funding and product support. This year, each grant recipient will receive NZD $5,000 worth of cash and Canon products, including cameras, lenses, printers, and other accessories. Specific categories for the grants include:
- Community Grant of NZD $5,000: Open to organisations with community-centric missions, including not-for-profits and grassroots groups. - Education Grant of NZD $5,000: Available to schools and educational centres for both children and adults. - Environment Grant of NZD $5,000: Dedicated to not-for-profits and organisations that promote environmental protection and sustainable practices. - Cultural Grant of NZD $5,000: A new addition for 2024, open to projects and organisations focused on elevating indigenous cultures of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Submissions for the grants program are currently open, and the wider community will vote for finalists online. Winners will be announced in September 2024.
