It’s the first time the Spectrum Foundation has had an open funding round and CEO Sean Stowers is excited to see the difference the initiatives will make.

“As a large organisation working in the disability space, we know there’s significant need out there in the community. We feel one of the best ways to meet that need is by supporting people doing mahi ‘at the coalface’. By helping those people and projects access the funds they need, we’re confident they’ll make an even bigger impact,” he says.

A previous closed funding round saw funds allocated to Autism New Zealand, Parent to Parent, The D*List, and Spectrum Care’s ‘Gig Buddies’ programme.

The first open funding round reaffirms Spectrum Foundation’s vision to provide up to $1 million annually to projects and initiatives in the disability space.

“We were delighted to receive many great applications. It’s truly humbling to support some of the wonderful work people are doing,” says Stowers.

Stowers also acknowledged the work of Spectrum Foundation’s funding panel, which approve projects before they go to the Board for final sign off. The funding panel is composed entirely of people with lived experience of disability.

“The panel’s combined unique lived experience provides valuable insight into needs within the community and how projects will make a difference for disabled people. People like us,” says Ann Thomson, one of six panel members.