Apply Now: Grants for Children and Young Adults with Rare Diseases (Australia)

Deadline: 30-Jun-2026

The Steve Waugh Foundation provides targeted financial assistance to children and young adults living with rare diseases in Australia. The program is designed to fund essential equipment and supports that improve quality of life, particularly for individuals who cannot access adequate assistance through other organisations or funding pathways.

The foundation prioritises practical, day-to-day supports that directly enhance mobility, communication, independence, and functional wellbeing for eligible applicants.

About the Steve Waugh Foundation

The program is delivered by the Steve Waugh Foundation and focuses on improving the lives of individuals aged 0–25 living with rare diseases.

It provides individualised grants based on assessed need, ensuring that funding is directed toward essential supports rather than general medical treatment or lifestyle expenses. The foundation works closely with families and medical professionals to assess eligibility and determine appropriate support items.

Purpose of the Program

The primary aim is to improve daily living outcomes and independence for young people affected by rare diseases.

Key objectives include:

• Supporting children and young adults with rare diseases in Australia
• Funding essential equipment and assistive devices
• Improving mobility, communication, and functional independence
• Reducing financial burden on families with complex medical needs
• Supporting access to disability-related aids and therapies (where eligible)
• Enhancing quality of life through targeted practical support

Funding Scope

Funding is assessed individually and based on approved needs outlined in each application.

Eligible funding categories include:

• Mobility aids and assistive devices
• Communication devices and support tools
• Therapy-related equipment (where eligible)
• Minor home modifications for applicant-owned homes
• Essential disability-support equipment

Funding is not provided for:

• Vehicles (purchase or modification)
• Intensive behavioural therapies
• Major home renovations
• Rent, mortgage, or household utilities
• General living expenses
• Travel, accommodation, or medical appointments
• Surgeries or clinical treatments
• Carers or assistance dogs
• Research projects or clinical trials
• Conference attendance

Funding Conditions

Approved grants are subject to strict usage and documentation requirements.

Key conditions include:

• Funding amounts are determined case-by-case based on application needs
• All quotations and invoices must be from Australian suppliers
• Costs must be listed in Australian dollars (AUD)
• Quotations must remain valid for at least three months at the time of application
• Only items included in the approved application can be funded
• Funds must be used within 12 months of grant approval

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is restricted to individuals meeting strict medical, age, and residency criteria.

Eligible applicants include:

• Children and young adults aged 0–25 years
• Individuals diagnosed with a rare disease (prevalence of at least 2:100,000)
• Australian citizens (minimum five years) or permanent residents (minimum five years)
• Holders of a valid Australian Medicare card
• Individuals with a condition listed on ORPHANET or confirmed as rare by a specialist

Medical Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must provide formal medical documentation confirming diagnosis.

Requirements include:

• Diagnosis by a paediatrician or qualified medical specialist
• Written evidence of diagnosis signed by the treating specialist
• Supporting medical and health documentation as required
• Confirmation that the condition qualifies as a rare disease

Accepted medical specialists include:

• Registered medical doctors with recognised specialist qualifications

Not accepted as medical specialists:

• Social workers
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech therapists

Application Requirements

Applications must include detailed documentation to support eligibility and funding needs.

Required components typically include:

• Proof of diagnosis and medical certification
• Quotations or invoices from Australian suppliers
• Detailed explanation of requested equipment or support
• Evidence of eligibility (citizenship, residency, Medicare card)
• Supporting medical or functional assessment documentation

Selection and Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Medical eligibility and confirmation of rare disease status
• Relevance and necessity of requested supports
• Expected impact on daily functioning and independence
• Alignment with funding priorities
• Completeness and accuracy of documentation
• Financial need and lack of alternative funding sources

Importance of the Program

This funding program plays a critical role in supporting individuals with rare diseases who require specialised equipment and assistance not covered by mainstream systems.

Key impacts include:

• Improving independence and mobility for young patients
• Enhancing communication and accessibility
• Reducing financial strain on families
• Supporting participation in daily life and education
• Addressing gaps in mainstream disability funding support
• Improving quality of life for individuals with complex conditions

Application Tips

Stronger applications typically include:

• Clear and specialist-confirmed diagnosis
• Well-documented and justified equipment needs
• Valid, detailed supplier quotations in AUD
• Strong explanation of functional impact and benefit
• Complete and consistent supporting documentation

Common Application Mistakes

Applications may be unsuccessful due to:

• Incomplete medical certification or missing specialist confirmation
• Requesting ineligible items such as vehicles or general expenses
• Submitting outdated or invalid quotations
• Missing Medicare or residency documentation
• Requesting items not clearly linked to functional need

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can apply for support?
  Children and young adults aged 0–25 with a rare disease meeting eligibility criteria.
• What does the funding cover?
  Equipment such as mobility aids, communication devices, and minor home modifications.
• What conditions are not funded?
  Vehicles, travel, rent, medical treatments, and general living costs.
• What medical proof is required?
  Diagnosis confirmed by a qualified medical specialist with supporting documentation.
• How long can funds be used?
  Approved funding must be used within 12 months.
• Are all rare diseases eligible?
  Only conditions meeting rarity criteria or listed on ORPHANET with specialist confirmation.

Conclusion

The Steve Waugh Foundation provides highly targeted support for young Australians living with rare diseases by funding essential equipment that improves independence, communication, and daily functioning. With strict eligibility and usage guidelines, the program ensures that resources are directed toward meaningful, practical interventions that significantly enhance quality of life for individuals with complex medical needs.

For more information, visit Steve Waugh Foundation.