Non-Government Funding

Apart from the Government funding for aids and equipment, there are a number of non-government sources that provide funding. The funding sources listed here have a particular focus on aids and equipment.

Cystic Fibrosis Association
Provides Able to subsidise essential equipment for its members.
Eligibility Anyone can become a member, however some of the services can only be accessed if you have Cystic Fibrosis or are the carer of a person with CF.
Application Procedure All equipment requests must be discussed with the treating physiotherapist. A CFV request form needs to be submitted to CFV by the physio.
For Further Information www.cfv.org.au/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?art_id=512&nav_cat_id=454&nav_top_id=57
Equipment Recycling Network
Provides

Self funded, not-for-profit, registered charity, staffed entirely by volunteers.

Refurbished computers, guaranteed for three months, are available at a nominal cost, to people with a genuine disability.

The database on the website advertises Disability Aids for sale. The Network does not handle the actual items, but facilitates the sale.
Eligibility In order to qualify for a computer the applicant should provide a letter from a Service Provider (eg Doctor, Paediatrician, Physiotherapist or Case Management Officer) stating that they do have a disability and how they believe the applicant would benefit from having access to a personal computer.
Application Procedure Application forms available on the website
For Further Information www.erni.asn.au/
Hearservice (VICDEAF), Reduced Price Scheme
Provides Provides adult hearing loss prevention and management services at a reduced cost (conditions apply). The reduced price scheme is a special service funded by Vicdeaf for individuals who are not eligible for other subsidised hearing products and services and are on low incomes.
Eligibility To be eligible for the reduced price scheme, you must hold a current Centrelink Health Care Card, or earn less than the income levels detailed on the hearservice website.
Application Procedure Contact hearservice on 1300 302 031
For Further Information www.hearservice.com.au/node/42
Motor Neurone Association Victoria, Equipment Service
Provides Provides a limited range of commonly used equipment. The Service operates on a library re-issue model. The equipment is therefore standard in size and where possible has options for flexibility e.g. adjustable height.
Eligibility For people with MND who are living at home in the community.
Application Procedure Allied Health professionals can obtain Equipment Service request forms from equipment@mnd.asn.au.
For Further Information http://mnd.asn.au/component/content/article/1-latest/256-equipment
Vision Australia, Adaptive Technology Services
Provides

Includes an Adaptive Technology Consultancy service, a Training Service, a Help Desk and a Guide.

  • General information and advice on adaptive technology products.
  • Individual adaptive technology assessment and impartial advice on the range of options available (including the pros and cons of each option) and recommendations regarding the best solution to meet each client's needs at work, school or in the home.
  • Technical support services (i.e. assistance with installation, setup and trouble shooting technical difficulties) for specific adaptive technology products.
Eligibility Services are aimed at people who are blind or have low vision.
Application Procedure Contact 1300 847 466
For Further Information www.visionaustralia.org/info.aspx?page=2275

Philanthropic Funding

This list is not exhaustive however and a full list of Philanthropic funding is available within the Directory of Philanthropy, a publication of Philanthropy Australia.

The Arthur Marsden Whiting Sympathy Fund
Provides To provide assistance to individuals of the Protestant faith with a primary physical disability who are in need of financial assistance. Grants are available for equipment, treatment, education or training and other types of assistance needed to care for a person with a disability.
Eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, applicants must satisfy all of the following criteria:

  • Have a primary disability that impairs mobility;
  • A member of the Protestant faith;
  • Resident of the state of Victoria;
  • Not suffer from alcoholism; and
  • Meet financial eligibility criteria as determined by the panel.
Application Procedure Application form on the website.
For Further Information www.eqt.com.au/not-for-profit-organisations/grants/trust-list/trustdetail.aspx?ID=30
The Ian And Nell Clark Encouragement Fund
Provides Provides a modest, one off amount of funding to assist individuals when other funding options are exhausted.
Eligibility The clients of organisations endorsed by the ATO as ‘deductible gift recipient’ who need financial assistance to meet legitimate needs, and who, having exhausted all other avenues of support including extended family and friends, are unable to obtain help elsewhere.
Application Procedure Applications must be made by the Deductible Gift recipient which is prepared to apply the donation without deduction for the specified purpose on behalf of its recommended client.
For Further Information Phone: (03)9690 8539
John Maclean Foundation / The Grant Recipient Program
Provides To benefit Australian individual children under the age of 18 years who use wheelchairs through the provision of financial and equipment assistance.
Eligibility Children under the age of 18 years who use wheelchairs.
Application Procedure

Application to be completed by parent or guardian through the application form.

Documentation required: Birth certificate, evidence of incomes, summary of annual expenses. Applications to be submitted by post.
For Further Information www.jmf.com.au
Lions Clubs
Provides

Lions Clubs in every town run many local activities. The activities may be to raise money for local people or projects. Usually a club would prefer to put the majority of money raised back into its local community.

Activities are split into two categories, Foundations and Programs.

Foundations are to raise money for such things as ongoing medical research, or to provide funds for emergency or disaster relief.

Programs are run as a either a service to the community or to assist Lions members, e.g. training and development through leadership programs.
Eligibility Clubs may either provide service or raise money for their community. To enquire of your local club activities contact them directly.
For Further Information www.lionsclubs.org.au
Lions Club - Hart Walker Program / The Australian Lions Children Mobility Foundation
Provides To assist children who are affected by Cerebral Palsy or similar disabilities with mobility devices and financial assistance./td>
Eligibility
  • To benefit children suffering from a disability who are under the age of 18
  • Children must have a max instep to hip length of 72cm (initial fitting)
  • Children are to have a consistent stepping pattern when supported
  • Family commitment to achieve child’s full goals
  • Entry into program must be based upon an assessment by a trained professional
Application Procedure Lions Club application form must be used. Supporting documents including a letter of approval from the Directors of the Lions Club. Parental permission and registration is required on behalf of the child. Letters from trained professionals working with child detailing the benefits of the request.
For Further Information www.lionsclubs.org.au/alcmf/hartwalker%20details.htm
The Peter Brock Foundation
Provides To provide assistance and direct support to individuals, families, community groups and organisations that have demonstrated their genuine need.
Eligibility

The Peter Brock Foundation aims to work towards the following goals when allocating funding:

  • The relief of hardship and suffering occasioned by natural disasters, disease and epidemic.
  • The relief of hardship and suffering occasioned by family breakdowns or disruption of family relationships and support.
  • The assistance of hardship and suffering occasioned by illness and incapacity of any kind.
  • The promotion of achievements and community participation by persons suffering from any kind of physical or mental handicap.
  • The promotion of medical research.
  • The promotion of all forms of education including community education.
Application Procedure Applications must be submitted in writing.
For Further Information www.peterbrockfoundation.com.au/index.php?pgid=14
The Robert Rose Foundation
Provides

Provides support to individuals living with spinal cord injuries that are in needy circumstances. Some of the types of assistance being provided include:

  • Home or vehicle modifications
  • Educational and sporting pursuits
Eligibility Only available for people with spinal cord injury.
Application Procedure Application form on website.
For Further Information www.independenceaustralia.com/information/the-robert-rose-foundation
Rotary Clubs
Provides

Rotary clubs are volunteer service organisations. They raise funds and contribute to local, national and international causes.

Rotary clubs are sometimes able to assist individual applications for funding for items such as aids and equipment.
Eligibility Dependent on the goals and resources of the Rotary club.
Application Procedure Call your local Rotary District and discuss request and ask if the club would consider contributing to this cost. If they feel that it is a reasonable request, they will require a letter outlining the situation and the funding request. It is recommended that you include a copy of the quote and a therapist support letter where possible.
For Further Information www.rotaryaustralia.org.au/districts.php
Steve Waugh Trust
Provides Supports children and young adults (0-25) who have a rare disease and will consider funding: medicines, treatment, equipment, and items that improve the quality of life for the applicant and their family.
Eligibility
  • Aged between 0 - 25
  • Australian citizen with a medicare card
  • Have a recognised rare disease as per a list available on the trust website
  • Must be able to provide evidence of diagnosis
Application Procedure Application forms available on the website
For Further Information www.stevewaughfoundation.com.au
Walter & Eliza Hall Trust / The Survival Fund
Provides To provide crisis assistance to people in need as a last resort.
Eligibility
  • To provide safety, security, protection and comfort for the individual or family
  • Are able to assist with household income levels that fall below Centrelink benefits
  • Families with young children and disabled children
  • When an unexpected catastrophe has caused a crisis
  • Financial counselling
  • Where applicants have demonstrated some self-help behaviour
Application Procedure Can only be accepted through Social Workers or responsible persons holding official positions within a welfare organisation. They should be made on an official form with supported material which is – a letter supporting the applicant, copies of quotes for specific items requested, copies of relevant accounts for debts. A cheque is made payable to the organisation sponsoring the applicant.
For Further Information www.thesurvivalfund.org.au
The Variety Children's Charity / Variety Freedom Program
Provides To transform the lives of children by providing mobility and academic equipment.
Eligibility
  • Children aged 0-18
  • Children who are sick, physically or mentally disabled
  • Children who are isolated or come from a disadvantaged background
Application Procedure Fill in the required application and attach the required documents and mail it to the above address.
For Further Information www.varietyvic.org.au