Support Grants

Blind Low Vision NZ administers a number of funds that provide additional financial help and support to people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision. If you need financial assistance meeting the costs of vision rehabilitation, or tertiary education we may be able to help. 

For more information about our funds and trusts please contact 0800 24 33 33 or email
pf@blindlowvision.org.nz.

 

Client Karen is looking off-camera to the right hand side and smiling proudly

Oppenheim Tertiary Education Trust Fund

The Oppenheim Trust Tertiary Education Fund for those studying in 2025 will open for applications on 1 September 2024. Closing on Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 1pm.  All applications received after the closing date and time are unable to be considered for funding.

 

We look forward to receiving your application. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please refer to the Oppenheim Applicant Guide

You can also either email us at Oppenheim@BlindLowVision.org.nz
or phone our Contact Centre on 0800 24 33 33 with any questions.

 

We encourage you to carefully review and adhere to the Oppenheim Applicant Guidelines. A thorough and compelling application will increase your chances of securing a favorable outcome.

Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund

The Pearson Fund can provide grants to applicants for a range of items that support with the additional cost of being blind, deafblind or have low vision. For more detailed information please see the Pearson Fund Guide to Operations, or get in touch with us.

Pearson Code for Vision Store Purchases

The Vision Store, a collaborative effort between Blind Low Vision NZ and Vision Australia, provides the latest, state-of-the-art assistive technology products. We appreciate that often, the equipment you need can be costly.

That’s why the Pearson Fund is available to help reduce the overall cost of the equipment for you.

The Pearson Code can be applied during the checkout process. This is not to be used for commercial purposes by government agencies or other businesses and may be subject to change. Always check the website for the most up-to-date information.

Use the code PEARSON to get a standard 25% off all orders.

Please note, applications for technology require an assessment with one of our technology specialists. If you are applying for funding support for glasses or hearing aids, please see the specific application form and guide.

Operations Guide

Pearson Fund Application Form

Glasses Application Form

Glasses Info Guide

Hearing Aid Application Form

Hearing Aid Information Guide

Deafblind client Savanagh faces the left hand side and showing her cochlear implant
A male client is walking towards the camera on the pavement and his white cane is over the tactile markings
Client Imogen is sitting down and laughing while holding a pack of cards

Kindred Sharp Children’s Trust

This Trust provides grants to children aged 15 or below (up to age 16) who are registered with Blind Low Vision NZ.

Grants may be approved for the funding of equipment, improving quality of life, or personal development programmes. The maximum grant available is $500 per child, including GST. Please find a copy of the application form, as well as some further information below.

Kindred Sharp Application Form

Kindred Sharp Information Guide

Henderson fund

This Trust seeks to provide assistance for those who are blind, deafblind or have low vision up to the age of 21 years in the New Plymouth, Wanganui, Manawatū, Wairarapa, and Wellington areas. Funding can also be applied for children who have received assistance from the Henderson Trust Fund and no longer reside in such areas.

For more information, please contact us directly at pf@blindlowvision.org.nz

Deafblind client Savanagh looks to the left hand side smiling
Client David is playing the violin, he has his eyes closed as he plays

The Shirley Owen Trust

Are you learning a musical instrument and a client of Blind Low Vision NZ? Do you need music lessons or access to Braille music? The Shirley Owen Trust is here to help.

Established by the late Shirley Owen, the Trust has gifted Blind Low Vision NZ a sum of money that is available for clients who wish to study music. This Trust supports with the cost of tuition fees, access to braille music and limited funding is available to assist in the purchase of instruments.

Learn more by downloading the application form and guide below.

 

Shirley Owen Application Form

Shirley Owen Application Guide

Forsyth Fund

 

The Forsyth Fund welcomes applications for financial assistance to clients of Blind Low Vision NZ who live within the boundaries of
(a) The Waikato Regional Council, or
(b) The Waikato District Health Board.

Applications for financial assistance are received, from individuals and groups/clubs, to help clients enhance their potential and independence and/or promote life enrichment.
The Fund is primarily intended to help meet the additional costs of blindness.

The key areas for which grants are available are:
▪ provision of equipment directly related to sight loss
▪ assistance with sporting and peer support activities
▪ personal development and education

The Waikato Regional Committee administers the Fund on behalf of Blind Low Vision NZ and is able to receive applications at any time, preferably by email, using the appropriate form.

Applicants must seek funding from other sources, prior to applying.

Applications are accepted without this requirement, if applying for items of equipment costing $250 or less (excluding GST).

The Committee reserves the right to raise the $250 limit in special circumstances.

For enquiries and application forms, please contact the Blind Low Vision NZ Hamilton Office: adminhamiton@blindlowvision.org.nz

Download Application Forms

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