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.

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.

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, such as a diagnosed learning disability, with a supporting letter from a doctor or special education advisor stating that 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. 

For example, if you apply in September, you will find out if your application is 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 or children you are applying for have 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.

The maximum funding for each category is:

• Medical and Mobility - $2000
• School related costs - $500
• Extra-curricular - $500

You cannot apply for a specific amount of funding in the Beds and Digital Devices categories. These items are provided directly to successful applicants via our suppliers; all successful applicants in these categories receive the same items.

Individual Grants cannot cover costs such as overseas trips (including those organised via a school), dental costs, school attendance fees, food, everyday clothes and shoes, furniture or household appliances.

This is not a complete list of items not funded by Individual Grants. If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact Variety at individualgrants@variety.org.nz or 09 520 4111.

You may only submit one application per child, and it can only be for one item or invoice.

If you apply for more than one item (e.g. uniform and camp and subject fees) your application may be declined, and you will be asked to submit a new one that meets our guidelines.

To apply for an Individual Grant, you will need:

1. Your valid Community Services Card
2. A copy of your child/children’s birth certificate, New Zealand passport (can be expired) or New Zealand residency visa.
3. You will need a quote or invoice with the cost of the items (only one permitted per application) if you are applying for:
   • Extra-curricular activities
   • Medical or mobility costs
   • School costs

You will need a support letter from a doctor if you are applying for medical or mobility costs.

Variety will either pay the supplier directly via invoice or provide the item through our partnerships with Noel Leeming and Big Save.

We do not provide funding directly to caregivers, and we do not reimburse for costs already paid.

Variety cannot pay a supplier without an invoice. You must be able to provide an invoice, or your application will not be considered.

This does not apply to Beds and Digital Devices, which Variety supplies through our partnerships with Noel Leeming and Big Save.