How We Help
MAD directs its support to specific cases identified through a trusted network of specialist health care providers including the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Monash Children’s Hospital, Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service and Very Special Kids.
The Department of Neurodevelopment and Disability at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne provides care for children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism spectrum disorders, acquired neurological disabilities, developmental delay and other developmental disabilities. These children require numerous pieces of equipment, therapy and respite over the course of their life.
Monash Children’s Hospital is a network of paediatric healthcare services across three sites, Clayton, Dandenong and Casey Hospitals. MAD is regularly requested to assist families with highly complex needs by providing funding for rehabilitation services and equipment that can provide comfort, ease of care, and maximise potential in children’s lives.
VPRS (Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service) is an interdisciplinary team of health professionals who provide specialist rehabilitation services for children with a high complexity of needs, focused on improving functional abilities and achieving children’s maximum potential through its inpatient and outpatient services, clinics and programs.
VSK (Very Special Kids) provides holistic care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and tailors support for their families. MAD has provided numerous pieces of equipment that greatly assist families in their times of most need.
MAD has also assisted and received referrals from Yooralla, Noah’s Ark, CPEC (Cerebral Palsy Education Centre), Department of Education Victoria – Specialist Children’s Services, VPRS Assisted Technologies Program and various special schools.
Through these referrals MAD has funded transformative support equipment and services including wheelchairs, hoists and slings, therapeutic beds, car seats and home seating systems, walking frames, communication and voice output devices, second skin garments and rehabilitation sessions.
These five principles guide us in our mission to make a difference
VOLUNTARY
The MAD Foundation is run entirely by volunteers. We aim to keep costs low and maximise the pass-through of funding in support of beneficiaries.
INSPIRING
The spirit of MAD inspires generosity, participation and fun while helping those in need.
EFFECTIVE
MAD works directly to bring fast and accessible funding support for equipment and services that would otherwise remain inaccessible.
TRUSTED
The board of MAD is committed to absolute integrity in the governance of the foundation and in the fulfilment of its purpose.
CONNECTING
MAD engages closely with an expanding network of partners and supporters to raise funds in support of its objective.
MAD 2025 Annual Report
Since 2001, the MAD Foundation has stood beside families of children and young people living with disability and facing significant hardship. Our mission is to bridge the gap when government funding resources fall short—providing fast, practical support that makes a real difference. Over the past 25 years, we’ve supported more than 400 families with over $2.7 million in funding for equipment, therapy, and essential services. From mobility aids and medical devices to ongoing rehabilitation, MAD responds with urgency and compassion at critical moments.
MAD is run entirely by volunteers. With no paid staff, no offices, and minimal overheads, we keep administration costs to just 1% of revenue—maximising the funding available to support families. We’re proud to operate this way, but it only works because of the generous people who stand with us. It’s your support that allows MAD to do what it does—and to do it the way it needs to be done.
