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Annual Giving
$25K
Grant Range
$1K – $100K

Tips for Applicants

Applications can ONLY be submitted by healthcare professionals (not families directly) who are known to MAD or associated with endorsed institutions like Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Monash Children's Hospital, VPRS, Very Special Kids, Yooralla, or special schools. Use the online MAD Application Portal to register, fill out the standardized form, upload required documents, and submit. MAD emphasizes swift approval processes and direct payment to suppliers/providers. Focus applications on equipment and services that fill gaps in government funding and will have immediate, practical impact on the child's quality of life, mobility, communication, or care.

Giving Philosophy

MAD bridges the gap when government funding falls short by providing fast, accessible, and practical support for equipment and services that would otherwise remain inaccessible. The foundation operates on principles of being voluntary (no paid staff), effective (direct support), trusted (absolute governance integrity), inspiring (generosity and participation), and connecting (strong partner networks). Applications are only accepted through healthcare professionals, ensuring funding reaches families with genuine need through a trusted referral system.

Notable Grants

Funding for wheelchairs, hoists and slings for children with cerebral palsy
Therapeutic beds for children with complex medical needs
Communication and voice output devices for non-verbal children
Home seating systems and car seats for safe transport
Rehabilitation sessions through VPRS and partner hospitals
Second skin garments for therapeutic support

ACNC Financial History

YearGrants GivenRevenueTotal AssetsNet Assets
FY2023
$116K
$487K$876K$876K
FY2022
$176K
$143K$701K$653K
FY2021
$70K
$223K$690K$690K
FY2020
$170K
$357K$541K$541K
FY2019
$140K
$351K$461K$461K
FY2018
$106K
$557K$402K$399K
FY2017
$125K
$244K$86K$68K
7yr total$903KSource: ACNC Annual Information Statements

Focus Areas

community
Geographic
AU-VIC
Recipients
youthdisadvantageddisability

Financial Details

Source of Wealth
Fundraising through annual MAD Ball/Gala events, corporate partnerships, individual donations, and community fundraising initiatives. No endowment or single wealth source.

Board & Leadership

ACNC
ACNC
Damian Toohey
officeholder
ACNC
ACNC
ACNC
Michael Thorn
officeholder
ACNC
Linked from structured person roles rather than unstructured foundation summary text.

Data Sources

Profile quality: low
Foundation profile updated: 16 April 2026 (62 days ago)
Website pages scraped: 5
Added: 27 February 2026 (111 days ago)
View on ACNC Register →