With the current funding climate for those with Autism and other forms of neurodiversity becoming very uncertain, we are constantly looking for other ways of support and access to funding and grants available to support our children to access equipment or even classes/therapy they really need and deserve. If your child does not get Individualised Funding or Carer Support, is waiting for an assessment, is having trouble even accessing an assessment OR even if you do get funding but have run short these are some additional avenues you can explore. There are likely others out there, and we will add to these as we find out about them, additionally if you know of any avenues that our members could benefit from please get in touch and we will add to our list. 

The Mazda Foundation. 
mazdafoundation.org.nz/about/
​The Mazda Foundation accept individual applications for various things. They have a set of guidelines on their website and also stories of those who have been successful applicants previously. They only accept applications maybe 2-3 times a year but can fund those slightly larger ticket items if they would be of benefit to your child. 

The Halberg Foundation 
halberg.co.nz/club/activity-fund-grants/
The Halberg Foundation have a grant specifically for activity funding costs. They accept children aged 5-21 who have a physical disability. This can include anything in range of vision, hearing, muscle tone, medical conditions such as respiratory issues (if they are a daily challenge), EDS, Hyper mobility, Chronic Pain etc. Many things that can go hand in hand with children who are neurodiverse, not all our children will automatically qualify for this but if they do happen to have a co-existing condition that affects them physically it is well worth a shot. 


Hell's Pizza 
Through Hell's Pizza, there is an opportunity for individuals to nominate their child to receive an item of equipment or something that can just help them out that little bit more, Called Satan's Little Helper. By looking through the current stories on the website will give you a chance to set what sort of things you can nominate for. 
www.satanslittlehelper.nz/

Variety NZ 
Variety is a charity that helps kiwi kids aged 0-18 years in vulnerable situations with funding grants towards equipment and life experiences such as lessons and classes that will help make their life better.  These grants are income tested, and would suit families or carers who are struggling with money to get their kids something they really need to help them. to find out more or apply see the link below. 
www.variety.org.nz/get-support/apply-for-ig

Ministry of Social Development (previously known as WINZ) support allowances and benefits.
MSD have a couple of benefits and allowances that families with children with disabilities could be eligible for.  
Child Disability Allowance - this is a fortnight allowance of approx $110 paid out to families who have a child with a life altering disability or health condition that requires them to need more care and supervision than a typical child their age. It is NOT income tested, but the child does need to meet specific criteria that qualifies, Doctors or specialist are required to sign it off.  You can learn more - www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/child-disability-allowance.html
Disability Allowance - This is another allowance available from MSD - this IS income tested and is to help out with the additional costs related to having a disability or serious health condition such as transport costs to medical appointments, special food for severe allergies, and non funded medications. It is available to both (child) or Adults.  You can find out more at this link www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/disability-allowance.html
Supported Living Payment - this is a type of benefit available in two forms.  1 - to adults 16 years or over who are unable to work full time or enough to support their living costs because of their disability or serious health condition or 2. - to Carers of a child with a disability who are unable to work due to the nature of their child's disability or health condition. To find out more about this benefit follow this link www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/supported-living-payment.html