Deaf Development Fund Print
Image

The Deaf Decade initiative was established in 1992 by Sir Roy McKenzie, with funding from Rangatira Ltd shares.  Initially it was to operate for ten years, however this has now been extended for a second decade. It now operates as a committee of the J R McKenzie Trust, the Deaf Development Fund.

The purpose of this fund is to support projects and endeavours that contribute to the development of the New Zealand Deaf community, especially projects that may not otherwise attract funding. Grants are made to both groups and individuals who are NZ citizens or permanent residents. The main emphasis is on projects and activities that will advance the Deaf community (including children) in some way.

The Deaf Development Fund (DDF) does not formally advertise for applications or seek publicity.  Committee members may be proactive in encouraging suitable projects to apply for support.  Grants given to date range from amounts of $150 to $15,000, with the majority under $4,000.

 

DDF funds six Deaf Studies Award scholarships per year, for students in the Certificate in Deaf Studies: Teaching NZSL, at Victoria University of Wellington. Two further scholarships for Deaf undergraduate and postgraduate degree students in any field at Victoria University are also funded by DDF (click on:  VUW Sir Roy McKenzie Deaf Scholarship).

Grant and scholarship decisions are made by the Committee of Lesley Carmichael, Rachel McKee, and Victoria Manning.
 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT

  • Applications can be made at any time during the year.
  • There is no standard application form (see guidelines below for your application letter).
  • Please address your application (by post or email) to:

Ms Lesley Carmichael (Administrator)
J R McKenzie Trust Deaf Development Fund
c/- 109C Golf Road
Paraparaumu Beach
Email: lcarmichael@xtra.co.nz 

 

Please include the following information in a letter of application:

  • Applicants’ contact details (name, address, fax, email).  Individual applicants should include their current work position and personal background relevant to the application.
  • What is the project you are seeking support for? Give as much detail as possible, including time-line.
  • How do you expect this project to benefit Deaf people?
  • Budget for the project: What are the total costs?  How much are you applying for?
  • Other funds or income available for this project (or grant applications made elsewhere).
  • Organisations applying should include a recent balance sheet.
For a list of recent grants, click here.

    Updated December 2009