Watch Manawatū- based Disability Information Specialist Lesley walk you through how to put your best funding foot forward with grants.
Easie Living Centre's Lesley has got herself a name for her success in supporting members of our community with lottery grant applications. Customers come into Easie Living asking Lesley and the team for advice and what they should have in their application.
Thanks to her support, Lotteries have given our community: 63 scooters, 4 wheelchairs, 1 companion dog and 3 vans.
We were so impressed with her work, we asked to film her presenting on how to apply to the local Palmerston North disabled community.
About the lotteries grants for individuals with disabilities
Profits made from New Zealand state lotteries are distributed by Te Puna Tahu Lottery Grants Board to various committees.
Lottery individuals with Disabilities grants enable people to engage in their community, be able to access groups, volunteer work, appointments, and connect with friends and family.
What do they fund and who is eligible?
They fund scooters, and other mobility equipment, vehicles, vehicle modifications, assistance dogs, and communication equipment.
Anyone with a disability or age-related condition lasting over 6 months is eligible. Where a disability restricts them from engaging in their community. Need to be a permanent resident or citizen based in New Zealand.
How does the lottery application process work?
How long does it take? The application gets submitted to the lottery board. Generally, up to 12 weeks is required for requests to be considered.
How much do you get? It depends on the equipment being requested. You may need to contribute towards some equipment.
Unlike with many ACC or Disability Support Services funded services, you won't have to give the equipment back at the end when you no longer require it. You could simply pass it on to someone else who needs it.
How likely is my application to be approved? It depends on your involvement in your community and the number of requests that have been received during that time as limited funds are available. Being voluntarily engaged in your community is a strong factor in being successful with your application.
What type of application questions should you expect?
You'll be asked questions about your current situation, accessibility requirements, the outcomes you expect from a successful application and a few admin questions around funding for their reporting. You'll also need to provide document to support some of your statements.
Current situation questions explained
"Tell us about your current situation. Tell us about your current disability or disabilities." They're asking how this restricts you from engaging in your community.
"Tell us who you live with and what your day-to-day life is like. What challenges have you faced when trying to get involved in your community? " For instance, you could share how living on your own impacts your ability to get to your community activities.
"Do you receive ACC to assist with your disability and have you approached any other funders? " They're making sure you've explored the first avenues for funding before seeking out special funding. This means they can be careful to allocate funding to those who need it most.
"Type of equipment being requested." You can indicate which equipment you are requesting from a drop-down menu. Includes; communication equipment, scooters, vehicles, wheelchairs, modifications. Assistance dogs can also be funded.
Accessibility questions explained
"Do you live in a rest home or retirement village?" You'll need to explain why the transport options provided by the village cannot be used.
"Will you be able to use this equipment without assistance?" For instance, if too young to drive, you will need to explain who will be available to assist you with transport.
Questions about outcomes explained
"How have you previously contributed to your community?" Have you been part of a support network or helped in your local school or marae? Have you helped with fundraising in the past? They want to ensure that community grants go to people who have a record of supporting their community."How are you currently participating in your community?" Are you currently or wanting to be involved in your community and how? Have a think about the ways that would make sense to your skills and energy to contribute to building an awesome community.
"How will this equipment enable you to engage with and be more involved in your community?" For instance, a mobility scooter may enable you to attend community groups because you have more energy. You no longer need to walk to the bus stop (10 minutes away) which could be a painful and tiring thing for you. Or your bus could be not very accessible/disability friendly.
"What difference will this make to your life and to the community?" It's a similar question to the above, they can feel a bit repetitive but hang in there! They're giving you lots of opportunities to put your story and thoughts into different words. This can help you express more clearly the impact that you can make if you were to get the grant. You can talk about the activity groups and voluntary work you will be able to be involved in.
Funding questions explained
Funding benefit area - Indicate where activities or projects provide the most benefit, ie primary location and any additional areas.
Funding benefit ethnicity - Indicate which ethnic groups or community will benefit.
Amount requested - This is the total amount being requested. The amount will depend on the type of equipment. It's a good idea to look around and submit a few options with the reasons why one might be better than another. For example, one item might be cheaper to purchase initially but more expensive for you to maintain or locally service. You might even find secondhand equipment which does what you need.
Do you receive a work and income benefit? - Are you receiving a Supported Living Benefit, Pension, etc Select the range your annual before-tax household income falls - Household income is the total of all annual before-tax income for all members of your household 18 years or over excluding borders. Select the range that which the total cash assets of your household falls - You can chat to Community Matters for information on household income and cash assets.
Supporting documents explained
Two support letters (or more) and a doctors assessment form of disability are required. The support letters cannot be from family or suppliers of equipment.
The information can include how you have been involved in their community.
