At Kaboose, we’re more than just an app—we’re a community that thrives on connection, support, and empowerment. That’s why we are absolutely delighted to share the fantastic news that Kaboose has been awarded a significant grant from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) last month! What a way to end 2024, right?!? This milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our incredible community and to our Kaboose team made up of Michelle Ridsdale, Karla Pretorius, Zachary Sweeney, Sami Yildirim, and Valery Caputi Lopez.
The NDIA grant, part of the Australian Government’s Peer Support and Capacity Building initiative, will see a total of $39.8 million distributed over two years to 69 disability organizations across the country. We’re honored to be among the recipients, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to combat loneliness, improve mental health, and empower neurodivergent individuals through advocacy, peer support, corporate DEIB education, and capacity-building programs.
Michelle Ridsdale, our CEO and founder, expressed her excitement: “Kaboose is thrilled to be a recipient of the NDIA grant. The NDIA will award almost $40 million (GST inclusive) over 2 years to the 69 successful applicants. At Kaboose, our mission has always been to support neurodivergent individuals by connecting them with friends, mentors, vetted resources, and job opportunities. We believe that everyone deserves to feel a sense of belonging, and this grant will enable us to expand our efforts even further.”
This grant is a significant victory in a very competitive space, and it underscores the value of our work. Bill Rosewarne, Adviser Forum member for the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and mentor at Startupbootcamp, has been a steadfast supporter of Kaboose. He shared, “NDIA grants like these are hard to come by. They’re even harder to win. Securing one today is a testament to the hard work Michelle & her team are putting in to make an impact and help neurodivergent young people find their tribe. Because we’re all better together. Props to them and the other successful recipients.”
The announcement made by the NDIA on December 12, 2024, highlights the Australian Government’s commitment to providing essential peer support and capacity-building resources. Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Bill Shorten, emphasized the importance of these grants in empowering people with disabilities by building their skills and fostering connections within their communities.
More than an App: A Global Movement
Kaboose is more than just an app; it’s a vibrant worldwide community where neurodivergent individuals connect, find friends, join forces with mentors, vet resources, and explore job opportunities. Our mission is to combat loneliness, improve mental health, educate employers, and empower the neurodivergent community through collective collaboration, support, and teamwork.
Michelle Ridsdale, the driving force behind Kaboose, has leveraged her extensive experience in people and culture, along with her advocacy work, to create a supportive community for neurodivergent individuals. Motivated by personal experiences within her neurodiverse family, Michelle aims to reduce loneliness and improve mental health through meaningful connections and employment opportunities.
We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the NDIA and our broader community. This grant will help us continue to make a positive impact, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels connected, supported, and valued.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey. We invite you to join us on the app as well as our social media pages and become an active part of the Kaboose community—where everyone is welcome, and together, we can ALL make a difference.
