As part of our goal to support people living with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, FOP Australia are excited to announce the launch of the Support Grant Program. This pilot program will enable people with FOP (or their direct caregivers) to apply for direct financial support for items or activities that help them live with FOP.
Although 90% of of the money FOP Australia has raised so far as gone to research, we have also set aside money to provide direct support to people living with FOP. In keeping with the KPIs set for the previous 2 financial years, FOP Australia allocated $7000($3000 from 2016/17 and $4000 from 2017/18) raised to be set aside for this purpose. During this time we have been working with experienced grant providers to develop our Support Grant Program, to ensure that there is a fair and independent process to allocate grant funds.
We are grateful for the selection panel members who have donated their time to this program:
- Dr Felicity Collins, Geneticist, Sydney Children’ Health Network
- Mrs Georgie Hyder, Occupational Therapist, Central and Northern Adelaide Health Service
- Ms Michelle Davis, Executive Director, International FOP Association
Each grant can be for up to $1000, and applications are accepted for anything that will improve the life of someone with FOP. More details about the program, including the full Terms of Reference, are available here. The first round of applications will open on the 29th July 2019, with closing date on 30th August 2019. Application forms will be sent directly to people with FOP and their caregivers, via the contact details they have registered with FOP Australia.
The first round of grants will be considered to be a trial, and afterwards, the board will review the process and feedback received to determine the future of the program and/or other support programs.