Community and Grant Funding Options
There are a number of discretionary grants offered that you may be able to apply for. These tend to cover costs that are not typically government funded. For full information, terms and conditions of each grant, please go to the listed websites.
The New Zealand Lottery Grants Board – www.communitymatters.govt.nz/lottery-grants-board
The NZ Lottery Grants Board fund communication equipment and modifications to vehicles. They also consider vehicle purchase if you do not have transport to meet the needs of your child. There are usually 4 funding rounds per year, please check the community matters site for dates that applications open and close.
The Jubilee Trust – www.jubileetrust.nz
Jubilee Trust considers applications from individuals and organisations with physical disabilities. The individual grants are usually for things such as equipment for the home, work, play or learning; lessons; tuition fees; technology devices; travel costs; prosthetic attachments and much more. The list of things that are funded does not have an end. Please check directly with Juliee Trust if you are unsure whether what you wish to apply for is something we are likely to support. Currently each application can be for up to $3,500, with a lifetime limit per applicant of $7,500.
The Wilson Home Trust – www.wilsonhome.org.nz
The Wilson Home Trust offers a variety of grants dedicated to supporting and enhancing the lives of children and young adults with physical disabilities, as well as their family. The grants are available for equipment/activity; wellbeing and counselling; holidays; emergency; hydrotherapy and young adults.
The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation Activity Fund Grant – www.halberg.co.nz
Providing grants to enable young people with a physical disability to participate in sport or active leisure within their community by supporting the additional costs of having a disability. Grants are provided for: equipment, lessons and camp.
Variety – www.variety.org.nz
Variety fund a broad range of requirements, for children aged from birth to 18 years of age for a one-off need such as a bed or cot, equipment or assistance, therapy, extra-curricular activities or a digital device.
Cerebral Palsy Society Individual and Academic Grants – www.cerebralpalsy.org.nz
Offers grants to current members with cerebral palsy for disability-related equipment, services, activities and education. Membership and eligibility criteria apply.
Cystic Fibrosis NZ Financial Assistance and Awards – www.cfnz.org.nz
Offers financial support for people with cystic fibrosis and their families. Funding may help with physical activity, hospital stays, transplants, education and support for young adults.
National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Grants and Scholarships – www.nfdhh.org.nz
Offers grants and scholarships for Deaf and hard of hearing people, including help with hearing aids, education and training. Some grants are regional and applications open in funding rounds.
Blind Low Vision NZ Support Funds – www.blindlowvision.org.nz
Offers support funds for blind, deafblind and low vision people. Funding may help with education, assistive technology, equipment, personal development, music and sport.
Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund – www.mda.org.nz
Offers grants of up to $500 to Muscular Dystrophy New Zealand members with eligible neuromuscular conditions. Funding may help with equipment, activities, professional development, assistance dogs or travel.
UpsideDowns Education Trust – www.upsidedowns.co.nz
Provides funding towards private speech-language therapy for children and young people with Down syndrome from birth to 21 years. A waiting list may apply.
Liz Soper Foundation of Care – www.creativeabilities.co.nz
Offers grants of up to $1,000 to help disabled adults take part in recreational experiences, adventures or special celebrations.
CCS Disability Action Equipment Fund – www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz
Helps disabled people living in the Waikato region with essential mobility equipment and daily living aids that are not readily available through other funding. Financial hardship criteria apply.
Mastering Mountains Grant – www.msnz.org.nz
Supports people living with multiple sclerosis, functional neurological disorder or a similar neurological condition to work towards an outdoor goal. Funding may help with rehabilitation, mentoring and equipment.
Mazda Foundation – www.mazda.co.nz/foundation
Considers applications from individuals for one-off needs. Previous grants have supported disabled people and families with items such as adapted equipment, hearing aids, companion dogs and other disability-related costs.