Deadline: 05-Mar-2026
The Equipment and Activity Grant provides up to $5,750 (including GST) to families of children and young people aged 0–21 with physical disabilities living in the upper half of New Zealand’s North Island. Funding supports equipment, services, and activities that improve participation and quality of life, provided the item is not government-funded and other funding options have been explored. Applications must be submitted before any purchase is made.
What Is the Equipment and Activity Grant?
The Equipment and Activity Grant is designed to help families access essential equipment, services, or experiences that enhance the lives of children and young people with physical disabilities.
The grant supports improved participation, independence, mobility, and inclusion in everyday activities, education, recreation, and community life.
Funding is only available to eligible families living within the geographic area defined in the Trust Deed, commonly referred to as the upper half of the North Island of New Zealand.
Grant Amount and Key Conditions
Maximum grant: $5,750 (including GST) per eligible child or young person
Age range: Birth up to 21 years
Applications must be submitted before purchase
Retrospective applications are not accepted
Intensive or overseas therapies are not funded
The funding cannot cover items or services already purchased and paid for.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Applications must be submitted by:
Parents
Whānau
Primary caregivers
Siblings
The grant is available only to families of eligible children or young people.
Eligible Children and Young People
To qualify, the child or young person must:
Be aged 21 years or under
Have a physical disability that primarily impairs body and/or limb function
Live in the upper half of the North Island
Have explored all other funding options
Be requesting an item that cannot be funded by the government
Definition of Physical Disability
The disability must align with the World Health Organisation (WHO) framework and include:
Impairments (loss or abnormality of body structure or function)
Activity limitations (difficulties executing tasks or actions)
Participation restrictions (problems engaging in life situations)
Additional conditions such as sensory disabilities (vision or hearing) or intellectual disabilities (cognitive, behavioural, or mental health conditions) may be present, but they must not be the primary reason for the funding request.
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
The grant supports equipment, services, or experiences that enhance:
Mobility
Daily functioning
Participation in school or community
Recreational and social engagement
Adaptive independence
Applicants must clearly demonstrate how the requested item reduces activity limitations or participation restrictions.
What Cannot Be Funded?
Government-funded items
Items already purchased
Retrospective claims
Intensive therapy programs
Overseas therapies
Why This Grant Matters
Children and young people with physical disabilities often face barriers to full participation in everyday life.
While government funding covers many core services, gaps remain for equipment and experiences that enhance quality of life, independence, and inclusion.
This grant helps families bridge those gaps by providing timely financial support where no other funding source is available.
Application Process
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure:
The child is aged 21 or under
The primary disability is physical
You live in the qualifying region
All other funding sources have been explored
The item is not government-funded
Step 2: Gather Supporting Information
Include:
Clear description of the physical disability
Explanation of impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions
Evidence that other funding options (e.g., CP Society, Lotteries Commission, Halberg Disability Sport Foundation) have been explored
Cost details including GST
Step 3: Submit Before Purchasing
Applications must be submitted and approved before purchasing the item or service.
Step 4: Wait for Assessment
Grants under $575 (including GST):
Processed within three working days
Outcome sent via email
Grants over $575 (including GST):
Reviewed by the Grants Committee and Committee of Management
Assessment occurs approximately every six weeks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting after purchasing the item
Requesting funding for government-covered services
Failing to show evidence of exploring alternative funding
Not clearly describing how the disability affects function and participation
Applying for intensive or overseas therapy
Not confirming residence within the qualifying region
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding can be received?
Up to $5,750 (including GST) per eligible child or young person.
2. Can I apply after buying the equipment?
No. Retrospective applications are not accepted.
3. Who can submit the application?
Only family members such as parents, whānau, primary caregivers, or siblings.
4. What age group is eligible?
Children and young people from birth up to 21 years of age.
5. What if the child also has intellectual or sensory disabilities?
They may still qualify, but the primary disability must be physical.
6. How long does it take to receive a decision?
Applications under $575 are processed within three working days. Larger applications are reviewed approximately every six weeks.
7. Do we need to explore other funding first?
Yes. Applicants must confirm that other funding sources have been explored and that the item cannot be government-funded.
Conclusion
The Equipment and Activity Grant provides practical financial support to families of children and young people with physical disabilities living in the upper North Island.
With funding of up to $5,750, the grant helps reduce barriers to participation, independence, and quality of life. Families must apply before making any purchases and demonstrate that no other funding options are available.
This grant serves as an essential support mechanism for improving access, inclusion, and everyday opportunities for young people with physical disabilities.
For more information, visit The Wilson Home Trust.