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 us at pf@blindlowvision.org.nz.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Oppenheim Tertiary Education Trust Fund
Applications for the Oppenheim Trust Tertiary Education Fund are now closed.
Applications will open in September 2024 for the 2025 cycle, For any enquiries please refer to the Oppenheim Applicant Guide below, or contact us at oppenheim@blindlowvision.org.nz or 0800 24 33 33.
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 BLVNZ Hamilton Office: adminhamiton@blindlowvision.org.nz