Two local youth organisations, Te Waiariki Purea Trust and the Rotorua Youth Centre Trust, have joined with the family to establish the fund.
Te Waiariki Purea Trust manager Laurie Durand said Chadwick was the first chairman of the trust when it established in 1987.
"Our first programme, 'Moving On' engaged at-risk youth in recreation and sport. He
continued as chairman from that time until he passed away earlier this year, a tenure
spanning three decades.
"It is fitting that his long service supporting youth initiatives in the local community will continue in his name forever through the Geyser Community Foundation."
Rotorua Youth Centre Trust chairman John McRae said the youth centre was privileged to be able to contribute to the legacy which the Chadwick whanau had created.
"We believe the rangatahi fund will have a positive impact for all youth initiatives in our local community for the long term."
Geyser chairman Pat Brown said the foundation was honoured to have been chosen by the Chadwick family to manage the fund on its behalf.
"Funds placed with the foundation are invested and the capital retained in perpetuity. The annual income earned on the capital each year will support youth initiatives in the local community to assist young people from all cultures realise their full potential."
Donations of any size can be made to the John Chadwick Rangatahi Fund by credit card on Geyser's website www.geysercf.org.nz click Donate Today.
People can also make donations to the fund in cash, by cheque or direct banking by calling Geyser Community Foundation, telephone (07) 349 7496, email annette@geysercf.org.nz.
Geyser will issue official donations receipts for tax purposes to donors.