Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund

Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund

The purpose of this fund is to provide discretionary grants for individuals with a neuromuscular condition to access opportunities and specialised resources that enable them to achieve freedom.

By a resolution in council, it was decided that, in recognition of the years of unpaid service and commitment made by Trevor and Joy Jenkin, and in keeping with the generous spirit of giving by their late son Bradley, who sadly passed away from complications of DMD aged 17, that henceforth the discretionary fund will now be renamed The Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund.

It is our great pleasure to be able to make this gesture for Trevor and Joy, not only as an enduring legacy for their hard work and sacrifice, but because Bradley’s enthusiasm, humour, and kind-hearted thirst for life embodied the MDANZ vision of ‘freedom beyond limits’.

Apply for funding

  • Individuals diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition (covered by MDANZ) and who are registered as Individual or Life Members of the MDA are eligible to apply.

    A parent or guardian can apply on behalf of Rangatahi and Tamariki members.

  • Grant applications will be considered on a case by case basis, subject to available funds. We ask that our members explore other funding options before applying to our fund. Due to our limited funds, we cannot consider applications over $500.

    Please note, cost evidence (such as a quote from the company you are looking to purchase the item from, or a receipt or invoice if you have already purchased the item) must be included with an application. Applications without cost evidence will not be considered.

    Funds must be spent within 3 months of a successful applicant being notified of the outcome.

    MDANZ will not make direct payments to overseas suppliers.

  • We want our members to experience greater freedom in life. On the application form, you will need to tell us how the resource or opportunity will enhance your life and help you achieve more freedom.

    Examples of grant applications that might be considered under this fund are;

    • Specialised sports equipment

    • Contribution towards the costs of a Mobility Dog being placed with you

    • Travel to attend an international forum for a rare condition

    • Participation in a sporting event

    • Career development (eg university or course fees)

  • We will not consider applications for items or activities which currently meet government funding criteria. For example, if you are eligible to receive equipment from the Ministry of Health, MDANZ will not fund it. Where relevant, we may request a letter to show that government funding has been declined.

    Funding for therapies and treatments of an ongoing nature will not be considered at this stage due to the “one off” nature of the grant. MDANZ will continue to advocate for better provision of therapies by health and education services.

    MDANZ will also not consider grants for an activity or resource that has not been proven as beneficial to people with neuromuscular conditions, that has a risk of causing harm, or that is inconsistent with best practice guidelines.

  • We have four funding rounds a year, and the closing dates are:

    31st January, 30th April, 31st July and 31st October.

    Closing dates may be extended at the discretion of the National Executive Chairperson.

  • Download the PDF application form.

    Download the Microsoft Word application form.

  • It is important to remember that the fund’s panel is presented with a number of applications each round – so make yours count!

    Think of your application as a CV – you need to sell yourself and your cause.

    Provide as much detail as possible:

    • What do you need this funding for? Provide a clear description – ie: in the case of an item, what is it and what does it do?

    • Why are you seeking funding?

    • How will the item/service etc help you, and make a difference in your life?

    • Will anyone else benefit from you receiving this funding? ie: does a new ramp mean someone doesn’t have to carry you up stairs?

    Be sure to ask your fieldworker for help with your application – they can proof read your application and write a letter of support.

  • Once you’ve filled in the form you can:

    Post it to:

    Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand
    PO Box 12603
    Penrose
    Auckland 1642

    Or:

    Email it to: info@mda.org.nz
    Please include “Bradley Jenkin Memorial Fund” in the subject line.