The Deaf Decade Trust initiative was established in 1992 by Sir Roy McKenzie, with funding from Rangitira Ltd shares. Initially, it was to operate for ten years, however the life of the fund has been extended. It now operates as a committee of the J R McKenzie Trust and is known as the Deaf Development Fund (DDF).
The purpose of the DDF is to support projects and endeavours that contribute to the development of the community of people in New Zealand who identify themselves as Deaf (including children). DDF especially funds projects that may not fit criteria of larger funding sources. Grants may be made to both groups and individuals.
The Deaf Development Fund does not have deadlines for applications. Committee members may be proactive in encouraging suitable projects to apply for support. Grants made to date range from amounts of $150 to $10,000, with the majority under $4,000.
Scholarships
DDF annually 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.
The Penny Went NZSL Teaching Scholarship is available for Deaf persons pursuing university study related to language teaching.
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.
- Please address your application (by post or email) to:Lesley Carmichael (Administrator)
J R McKenzie Trust Deaf Development Fund
C/- 109C Golf Road
Paraparaumu Beach
Email: lcarmichael@xtra.co.nz
Grant reports
A report from grant recipients is required within two months of the stated completion date.