Community Services Card
Apply for an Individual Grant
An individual Grant pays for a one-off need such as a bed or cot, the cost of glasses or medical or mobility equipment or assistance, therapy, extracurricular activities or a digital device.
You can apply for an Individual Grant if
your child is aged between 0-18.
Application dates:
| Round | Open | Close | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| One | 1 Aug 25 | 31 Oct 25 | 30 Nov 25 |
| Two | 16 Feb 26 | 31 Mar 26 | 30 Apr 26 |
| Three | 22 Jun 26 | 31 Jul 26 | 31 Aug 26 |
| One | 21 Sep 26 | 31 Oct 26 | 30 Nov 26 |
What will our Individual Grant pay for?
School costs
Uniforms, stationery, activity fees, school camps, school trips
Extra curricular activities
Swimming lessons, dance lessons, music lessons, sports club fees, sports uniforms
Medical fees
Doctors' fees, prescriptions and glasses, medical and mobility costs
Technology
A digital device for school (if your child is 8 years or older).
Bed and Bedding
Single, King Single, Bunk Beds and Cots.
Can we apply?
You can apply for an Individual Grant if:
Your child is up to 18
years old
- Your child is a New Zealand
citizen or resident
- You have a Valid Community
Services Card
What is the process?
1
Apply online
Complete the online form. Make sure you attach the documents needed for the application. Get started at the bottom of this page.
2
We review your application
We assess Individual Grant requests three times a year. This happens in April, August and November. Individual Grants are carefully assessed. Not everyone who applies will be given a grant.
3
We let you know
We will send you an email to tell you if your application has been successful. If we award a grant we will either:
- Ask you for a quote or an invoice to pay for things like after school activities, school trips, uniforms, school uniforms or medical costs. You may have already sent this with your application.
- Order and pay for a bed or a digital device. These will be sent to you from our suppliers.
What do I need to apply?
Proof of children's identity
A copy of your child's New Zealand birth certificate or New Zealand passport
A copy of your child's Resident's Visa
Financial information
A valid Community Services Card
Please attach a physical, in date copy of the valid Community Services Card for the caregiver living with your child.
Quote
A quote with the cost of the items you need if you are applying for:
Apply for an Individual Grant
Let us answer your questions about Individual Grants.
Frequently asked questions
Kiwi Kid Sponsorship provides on-going support or funding for a child's basic needs. An Individual Grant is for a child's specific or extra need such as mobility equipment, therapy, bed, bunks, or extra-curricular costs. If you are
still unsure, please contact Variety at kiwikids@variety.org.nz or 09 520 4111. We are happy to discuss the options with you and provide advice.
Individual Grants provide support to assist your child with school uniform or school camp, a digital device for learning, beds and cots, medical and mobility needs, or extra-curricular costs such as sports, performing
arts, and academic pursuits. Individual Grants are available for up to $2000 with the average amount awarded $500.
If your child's school has a Variety School Champion they may be able to assist you in submitting a grant application and getting the documents you require. If you can’t get in touch with your Variety champion or your child’s
school does not have one, you can submit an application online.
Yes. The majority of Individual Grant applications we receive are for digital devices. Typically we prefer to fund Chromebooks, as these are suitable for most schools. Variety funds Chromebooks through our partnership with Noel Leeming.
Variety does not fund iPads or MacBooks unless there is a specific reason (diagnosed learning disability with a supporting letter from a doctor or special education advisor) that states such a device is required.
Individual Grant Applications are reviewed in April, August, and November. You will be notified of the result of your grant application at the end of the nearest grant month e.g. if applying in September, you will find out if your
applications in approved by the end of November.
Please note: All decisions are final and approved funding cannot be exchanged for an item in another grant category. If the child/children you are applying for has received an individual Grant in the last 12 months you cannot apply for more funding at this time.
Please note: All decisions are final and approved funding cannot be exchanged for an item in another grant category. If the child/children you are applying for has received an individual Grant in the last 12 months you cannot apply for more funding at this time.
Yes, Variety has strict systems and protocols in place to ensure that you and your child's information is protected and kept confidential.
More questions?
Variety is a registered charitable organization under the Charities Act 2005.
Our Charities Commission registration number is CC24039.