Financial assistance

There are a number of funds we administer that could provide additional support to members.

Kindred Sharp Children's Trust

This Trust provides grants to children up to the age of twelve who were blind before reaching their second birthday. Grants go towards computer and other special equipment, and for lessons for parents to learn to communicate with blind children.

Applications for 2012 are now open. Find out more.

Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund

This Fund was established in 1923 from the proceeds of a public appeal for funds to aid both civilian and war blinded persons. It can provide assistance to meet the additional financial costs of blindness; enhance member rehabilitation, habilitation and personal development needs. The Fund does not provide assistance to meet the ordinary costs of daily living or welfare.

Download the guide in electronic text (doc, 43kb)

For more information and application forms, contact the Pearson Fund Administrator on (09) 355 6861 or email: pf@rnzfb.org.nz

Henderson Fund

This is a special Fund established by the late Mr C. W. Henderson of Wellington. It is administered by its own trustees and is able to make grants in the Wellington region.

Applications can be made to: Henderson Fund trustees, c/- The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, Box 27177, Wellington 6141.

Oppenheim Tertiary Education Trust Fund

The Oppenheim Trust was founded in November 1989 by Dr and Mrs Oppenheim to provide assistance to RNZFB members undertaking or about to enter tertiary education.

Grants can help pay for fees, textbooks, software, and any other assistance that students may need to carry out their studies. Applications are called for in November, and successful grants are awarded at the end of February each year.

Download more information and form (doc, 42kb)

For more information, please contact Murray Peat on phone (09) 355 6861 or email mpeat@rnzfb.org.nz