Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The Steve Waugh Foundation provides financial support to Australian children and young adults aged 0–25 living with rare diseases who cannot access funding from other sources. The Foundation funds essential equipment, therapy, mobility aids, communication devices, and minor home modifications that directly improve quality of life. Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, including confirmed rare disease diagnosis, Medicare eligibility, and prior application to government funding programs such as the NDIS.
About the Steve Waugh Foundation
The Steve Waugh Foundation is an Australian charitable organisation dedicated to supporting children and young adults living with rare diseases.
Its core mission is to assist individuals with the rarest medical conditions who are ineligible for financial assistance from other organisations or funding programs.
The Foundation prioritises practical, essential support that directly improves quality of life.
What Is Considered a Rare Disease?
For eligibility under this program, a rare disease must:
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Have a prevalence of at least 2 in 100,000 people
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Be recognised on ORPHANET (the global rare disease database), or
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Be confirmed as rare by a qualified medical specialist if not listed
The diagnosis must be formal and documented.
A medical specialist is defined as a doctor qualified in a medical specialty. General practitioners (GPs) and allied health professionals are not considered specialists for eligibility purposes.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria.
Age Requirement
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Children and young adults aged 0–25 years
Residency and Citizenship
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Australian citizen for at least 5 years, or
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Australian permanent resident for at least 5 years
Medicare Requirement
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Must hold a valid Australian Medicare card
Diagnosis Requirement
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Formal diagnosis of a rare disease
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Diagnosis signed by a Paediatrician or medical specialist
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Disease must meet prevalence threshold
Government Funding Requirement
Applicants must have already applied for government funding assistance for the requested item, such as through:
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National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Applicants must provide documented evidence showing:
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Approval, or
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Decline
The Foundation is a funding source of last resort.
What the Foundation Funds
The Foundation considers funding for essential items and services that directly improve quality of life.
Eligible support may include:
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Medical equipment
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Mobility aids
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Communication devices
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Therapy services
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Minor home modifications (only if the home is owned by the applicant)
All approved funding must be used within 12 months of the grant approval date.
What the Foundation Does NOT Fund
The Foundation does not provide assistance for:
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Purchase or modification of new or used vehicles
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Major home renovations (e.g., swimming pools or spas)
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Rent or mortgage payments
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Household utilities
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General living expenses
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Conferences
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Travel or accommodation
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Medical appointments or surgeries
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Carers
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Research or clinical trials
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Assistance dogs
Applications requesting these items will not be approved.
Financial and Supplier Requirements
To be eligible:
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All quotes or invoices must come directly from an Australian supplier
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Quotes must be in Australian dollars (AUD)
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Quotes must remain valid for at least three months at the time of application
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Any additional costs not included in the original application cannot be funded later
Budget accuracy is critical. The Foundation will not cover cost increases or new items after approval.
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit comprehensive documentation.
Personal and Medical Documents
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Rare disease or condition name
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Medical specialist’s email address
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Signed medical evidence of diagnosis
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Copy of the child’s birth certificate
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Colour copy of Medicare card
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Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency (minimum five years)
Financial Documents
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Income and expense details
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Tax returns or payslips
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Private health insurance details
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Government assistance details (including NDIS plan documentation)
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Quote or invoice for requested item/service
Funding Disclosure Requirements
Applicants must:
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Identify other funding sources they have applied to
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Disclose support received from other charitable organisations
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Detail any previous support received from the Steve Waugh Foundation
Transparency is mandatory.
Why This Foundation Matters
1. Focus on the Rarest Diseases
Rare diseases often fall outside mainstream funding programs. The Foundation specifically targets those who cannot access other support systems.
2. Funding as a Last Resort
By requiring prior application to government schemes like NDIS, the Foundation ensures it supports families with genuine unmet needs.
3. Quality-of-Life Impact
The funding prioritises practical, essential improvements that increase independence, communication, and mobility.
4. Strict Governance and Accountability
Clear documentation, supplier rules, and eligibility standards ensure responsible use of charitable funds.
How to Apply
Follow these structured steps.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure:
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Age requirement (0–25 years)
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Citizenship or residency duration
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Valid Medicare card
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Confirmed rare disease diagnosis
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Government funding application completed
Step 2: Apply for Government Assistance First
Submit application through appropriate programs such as NDIS.
Obtain documented evidence of:
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Approval, or
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Decline
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
Prepare:
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Medical specialist documentation
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Proof of residency or citizenship
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Medicare card copy
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Financial documents
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Supplier quote (valid for 3 months)
Step 4: Submit Complete Application
Ensure all documentation is accurate and complete.
Incomplete applications may delay processing or result in rejection.
Step 5: Use Funds Within 12 Months
If approved:
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Use the grant within 12 months
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Only for approved items
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No modifications after approval
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without first seeking government funding
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Submitting quotes that are not from Australian suppliers
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Providing quotes that are expired or not valid for three months
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Including ineligible items such as vehicles or rent
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Submitting incomplete financial documentation
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Providing diagnosis from a GP instead of a specialist
Careful compliance increases approval chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply to the Steve Waugh Foundation?
Children and young adults aged 0–25 in Australia with a formally diagnosed rare disease who meet residency and Medicare requirements.
2. What qualifies as a rare disease?
A disease with a prevalence of at least 2:100,000, recognised on ORPHANET or confirmed as rare by a medical specialist.
3. Is prior government funding application required?
Yes. Applicants must first apply to programs such as NDIS and provide evidence of approval or decline.
4. Does the Foundation fund vehicles or home renovations?
No. Vehicles and major home renovations are excluded from funding.
5. Are therapy and mobility aids covered?
Yes. Equipment, therapy, mobility aids, and communication devices may be funded if they directly improve quality of life.
6. How long do recipients have to use approved funds?
Funds must be used within 12 months of approval.
7. Can additional costs be added after approval?
No. Any costs not included in the original application cannot be funded later.
Conclusion
The Steve Waugh Foundation provides targeted, last-resort financial assistance to Australian children and young adults living with rare diseases. By focusing on essential quality-of-life improvements and enforcing strict eligibility standards, the Foundation ensures its support reaches families with the greatest unmet needs.
Applicants must carefully review eligibility criteria, apply for government funding first, prepare complete documentation, and ensure all requested items comply with funding rules. Proper preparation and compliance are essential for a successful application.
For more information, visit Steve Waugh Foundation.