MPS Assistance Program (MAP)

What is MAP?

MAP is a program of financial assistance developed by Mucopolysaccharide & Related Diseases Society Aust. Ltd (MPS Society) to assist families and individuals affected with MPS or related disease. A MAP grant may be used to purchase equipment and services that other programs may not fund or fail to fully fund. Strictest confidentiality regarding applications including names and funding will be maintained by all involved, both applicant and the MPS Society.

What can I apply to MAP for?

Funds will be made available only for one-time exceptional extraordinary costs. Ongoing expenses incurred by members are not eligible for assistance. In most cases a shared cost will be considered most favourably. Maximum amount available $500 (discretion may be exercised in exceptional cases to increase this limit). 

Examples of potentially eligible costs include special equipment, travel costs, medical aids and dietary needs, counselling/case management, respite and conference expenses. These costs must relate to the needs of the person who is affected by MPS or their family.

Eligibility for assistance through MAP

Only members in good standing are eligible for funds through MAP.

The definition of good standing is:

1. Membership dues are up-to-date and paid

2. Families or individuals live within Australia.

When can I apply for funding through MAP?

Once applications to other funding sources have been exhausted or part funding granted application for assistance through MAP can be made. Application for assistance can be made in advance of cost being incurred, if known, but must be made within six months of the expense.

National MPS conference expenses will be considered 3 months prior to the event in a special Conference funding round.

How do I submit an application to MAP?

Applications for funding through MAP are made on the MPS Assistance Program (MAP) Application form available to be downloaded here or through the National Office.

All receipts, quotes and estimates must accompany the MAP application form prior to the application being reviewed.

How will my application be assessed?

1. Applications will be assessed once the application and receipts, quotes or estimates are received.

2. A MAP Committee is appointed by the MPS Committee of Management. The MAP Committee is empowered to make decisions on behalf of the Committee of Management. All decisions made by the MAP Committee are binding.

3. Applications may take between 3-6 weeks to access.

4. The MPS Society will issue a letter to the applicant indicating whether the application has been approved or denied and the amount for which funding has been granted.

5. Monies will be paid directly to the vender/supplier where possible upon the MPS Society receiving an original or photocopied Tax Invoice from the applicant or the MPS Society will send a cheque to the vendor/supplier or applicant (as determined by the application).

The applicant will be responsible for getting the cheque to the vendor/supplier if necessary.