Wendy Neilson Educational Scholarship

Purpose of the fund:

• To provide funding that will assist individuals with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) to obtain educational qualifications or enhance their life skills.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Have AMC as defined on the TAGNZ website
• Be a member of TAGNZ
• Be secondary school age or above
• Be enrolling in an accredited programme OR life-skills enhancing programme such as Outward Bound or on the sailing ship Spirit of Adventure
• Have been a resident in New Zealand for at least 3 years

Value:

• The annual value of funding awarded will be up to 10% of the fund except if the fund is below $25,000 then up to $2500 can be awarded.
• Funding can be awarded to more than one individual in any given year and to an individual for more than 1 year.
  • In the latter case, the Board could specify criteria for the individual to meet to receive the funding in the 2^nd and any subsequent years.
• The Board will decide the method of payment for each programme.

Application process:

• Complete and submit the application form by 31 August each year.
• The panel may request evidence of their disability by way of a certificate or letter.
• The panel may decide to interview the applicant.
• Funding will be decided by 30 November for awards for the following calendar year.

Selection Panel:

• Wendy Neilson or her nominee and up to 2 members of the TAGNZ Board.
• The TAGNZ Board will ratify the decision and no correspondence will be entered into following the decision.

Condition of acceptance

• By accepting the award, recipients permit publication and announcement of their acceptance and subsequent achievement.
• Continuation of the scholarship is conditional on satisfactory performance during participation in the educational programme or life skills enhancing programme.
• On completion of the programme recipients are to present a report in a format that is best for them, reflecting on the programme and the benefits they have gained.