Community grants help sick children access hospital care and treatment

OUR Kids has opened applications for its community grants program to help local families access essential equipment for children with special needs and chronic health conditions

Supported by the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation, the program offers two funding streams, one for individual families and another for community groups and organisations supporting children with special needs or chronic illnesses.

Parents and guardians caring for eligible children can apply, along with children’s community health organisations, health professionals and community groups supporting young people across the region.

Successful applicants can receive grants of up to $2,000 to purchase equipment that may otherwise be difficult to access.

Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista said the program helped ease the financial burden on families while delivering practical support where it was needed most.

“Our Kids is incredibly grateful to the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation for supporting the Our Kids Community Grants program,” she said.

“Their support allows us to assist many families caring for children with special needs and chronic health conditions, helping them access equipment that can make a real difference in their day-to-day lives.”

The grants announcement follows a milestone year for the charity, with the 2026 Our Kids Winter Ball raising a record $50,000 during celebrations marking its 25th anniversary.

The fundraising total exceeded initial expectations and will allow Our Kids to purchase two i-STAT blood analysers, valued at about $23,000 each.

The portable devices provide rapid blood testing and analysis, helping medical teams make faster treatment decisions for young patients.

Applications can be made at ourkids.org.au and close on Wednesday 1 July, with all donations tax deductible.