Grant Guidelines

The Little Sky Eyes Foundation exists to support Australian children and families living with Dravet Syndrome, rare genetic epilepsies, and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs).

We understand the significant emotional, physical and financial challenges that can accompany these conditions. Our goal is to provide practical support that improves safety, independence, quality of life, and family wellbeing.

Due to limited funding, priority may be given to families experiencing significant financial hardship, where the requested item or service is not readily available through other funding pathways.

Before You Apply

Please ensure all sections of the online application are completed. Incomplete applications may delay assessment or be deemed ineligible for consideration.

All quotes and invoices must:

  • Be provided by an Australian supplier;
  • Be issued in Australian Dollars (AUD);
  • Be current and valid at the time of application; and
  • Remain valid for a minimum of three months following submission.

If your application is approved, funding will be limited to the amount outlined in the approved quote or invoice. Any additional costs incurred outside of the approved funding amount will remain the responsibility of the applicant.

Approved funding should be utilised within 12 months of the date of grant approval. Extensions may be considered in exceptional circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

  • Be aged 0–18 years at the time of application;
  • Reside in Australia;
  • Have a confirmed diagnosis of Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic epilepsy, developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), or another eligible epilepsy-related neurological condition;
  • Provide supporting medical documentation confirming the diagnosis from a treating specialist;
  • Demonstrate how the requested funding will benefit the child and their family; and
  • Provide any additional supporting documentation requested by the Foundation as part of the assessment process.

Applicants may also be asked to provide information regarding:

  • Previous or current NDIS funding;
  • Applications made to other funding bodies;
  • Funding previously received from the Little Sky Eyes Foundation; and
  • The financial impact the condition has on the family.

Supporting Medical Documentation

Medical documentation must be completed or signed by an appropriately qualified treating specialist.

Examples include:

  • Paediatricians
  • Paediatric Neurologists
  • Neurologists
  • Clinical Geneticists
  • Rehabilitation Specialists
  • Other relevant medical specialists involved in the child's care

Supporting reports from allied health professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Speech Pathologists and Social Workers may also be submitted to strengthen an application but do not replace specialist medical evidence of diagnosis.

What We May Fund

The Little Sky Eyes Foundation may consider funding for items and services that improve the safety, wellbeing, independence and quality of life of children living with rare genetic epilepsies.

Examples may include:

  • Safety equipment
  • Safety Surround Beds
  • Communication devices and assistive technology
  • Mobility aids
  • Seizure monitoring equipment
  • Therapy equipment
  • Minor home modifications related to the child's disability needs
  • Other items or services considered appropriate by the Grants Committee

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

What We Do Not Currently Fund

The Foundation is unable to provide funding for:

  • Rent, mortgage repayments or general household expenses
  • Utility bills and day-to-day living costs
  • Overseas travel and accommodation
  • Medical consultations, hospital admissions or surgical procedures
  • Private health insurance costs
  • Wages for carers or support workers
  • Major home renovations or structural building works
  • Research projects or clinical trials
  • Retrospective reimbursement for items already purchased without prior approval

Other Funding Sources

As a charitable organisation with limited resources, we encourage families to explore all available funding pathways.

Applicants may be asked to outline:

  • Other funding sources they have applied to;
  • Supports received through the NDIS;
  • Assistance received from other charities or organisations; and
  • Previous support received from the Little Sky Eyes Foundation.

This information helps ensure funding is directed to families with the greatest unmet need.

Assessment Process

All applications are assessed individually and are considered against the Foundation's available funding, eligibility requirements, demonstrated need, and anticipated impact on the child and family.

Submitting an application does not guarantee funding, and the Little Sky Eyes Foundation may not always be in a position to support all individual, family and community requests.