The We Join Grant is a community grant that supports projects to purchase much needed equipment up to the value of $10,000 to promote inclusivity.
We Join Grant applications have closed. They will re-open in 2025.
Our vision is to create a future where every child, regardless of circumstance or ability, can be supported, included and equal.
All NFP organisations and schools are invited to apply for projects that promote inclusion and accessibility, empowering children aged 0-18 years with disabilities or those experiencing disadvantage to feel a sense of belonging, fully participate, and reach their full potential.
Your grant request, for up to $10,000 to purchase equipment, may include multiple items, they must directly benefit children and align with our inclusive values. .
Some examples of what we fund are: adaptive toys, play equipment and items that are designed with neurodivergence or disability in mind, calm spaces, accessible outdoor equipment such as beach wheelchairs, literacy aids and communication software.
If you have a project but you’re not sure if it meets the grant guidelines, please reach out to the Kids Support Team – [email protected].
Applications are now closed and will re-open in 2025.
Applications are assessed on their merit, how they create a sense of belonging and promote inclusion and accessibility for children with disabilities or those experiencing disadvantage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Be a community-based organisation that provides services directly to:
- Children aged 0 – 18 years &
- Children living with a disability or chronic illness &/or
- Children experiencing disadvantage or living under financial hardship
- Be based and operating in NSW or the ACT
- Be a not-for-profit or community organisation classified by the ACNC as small or medium sized and/or that have an annual revenue below $8M
- Be a school, social or sporting group or association
- Require financial support to deliver a project that will directly promote inclusion and/or accessibility for children living with a disability or experiencing disadvantage.
- Name and contact details of applicant and authorised representatives
- Detailed description of the project and requested item(s), and why the project and grant funds are needed.
- Objectives and intended outcomes of the project and how the project will be evaluated.
- Itemised quote from preferred supplier. For items over $5000 a second quote is required
- Organisations most recent audited financial statement or your schools RAM funding.
- Communication software and portable amplification equipment
- Inclusive recreation equipment and resources
- Accessible sporting equipment such as inflatable surf boards
- Ability switches and switch-adapted toys
- Customised or adjustable furniture
- Mobility equipment and resources
- Community garden/food education set-up costs
- Musical instruments and/or sports equipment that have a clear purpose to invite, include and support children living with a disability or experiencing disadvantage
Feel free to contact the Kids Support team at Variety before completing an application to ensure your project aligns with the guidelines.
We Join Case Study
Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club
In 2016, Variety granted Cooks Hill Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) two floating wheelchairs to give kids living with a disability the chance to swim in the surf safely. Cooks Hill SLSC is a volunteer led and progressive community organisation which offers kids living with a disability the opportunity to enjoy time at the beach and in the water just like many others. Some six years later, the floating wheelchairs are still used regularly and have seen people of all shapes, sizes and abilities enjoy a day at the beach.
“People and families from all over the country have travelled to have a beach and surf experience in our floating chairs. We have several regulars, both individuals and groups. They have really changed lives. We have even had adults and children in them that have never experienced or tasted salt water,” says John Mayo, a lifetime member of Cooks Hill SLSC and regularly involved in the club’s beach inclusion programs.
The donation of the floating wheelchair is another way Variety helps local kids get the most out of life. The chairs make sure children like Amelia (pictured right) don’t miss out. Amelia is nonverbal, quadriplegic and blind. She loves to surf and she is one of many who love the freedom the chairs provide.
“With Amelia, we take her out in the chair and she gets out of the chair and floats around. The chairs provide safety and security. Some users stay in the chair, others will leave the chairs just using it as a means of entering the water,” said John. The club also have beach matting for mobility, electric wheelchair bases and a transfer hoist.
“They have been used and used putting huge smiles not only on the faces of kids and adults who use them, but also their families.” Cooks Hill SLSC is committed to providing opportunities for kids and adults with disabilities to enjoy the beach and water.
“We are very passionate about everyone having access to a day at the beach and to further this every Australian should be able to be a surf lifesaver as we all have a lot to contribute no matter who we are. We have been incredibly grateful to receive these chairs as they have changed lives.”